Plan in Advance: Make plans well in advance and consider the children's wishes.

Communication and Compromise: Effective communication and compromise are key to successful co-parenting during Christmas. If you are finding this difficult consider using one of the many technical app’s and websites aimed at helping parents, such as “Our Family Wizard”.

Share the Christmas: Find ways to share the Christmas period between both parents, allowing each to have special time with the children. Agree how you are going to share the main festive days – Christmas eve through to Boxing Day.

Consider a Fake Christmas: Some parents consider celebrating Christmas on a different day to ensure that no one is left out and the children benefit from two separate days of celebrations.

Be Flexible: While good planning is important, maintain some degree of flexibility for smooth co-parenting during the holidays.

Coordinate Gifts: Coordinate gift-giving with the other parent and establish guidelines for the number and type of gifts to avoid excess and duplication.

Set a Good Example: Be an excellent communicator and stay in the holiday spirit to set a positive example for the children.

Remember, co-parenting during the holidays requires effort and understanding, but with effective communication and a focus on the children's well-being, it is possible to create a positive and memorable festive season for everyone involved.

If you would like some help agreeing your plans for Christmas with your ex spouse or partner you can talk to us about how mediation can help. You can call us on 0800 206 2258 or, if it is easier book a fixed time for us to call you use the BOOK NOW tab on our website or email us on hello@familymandm.co.uk