Recently, when discussing plans for Christmas with my family, we talked about how kids may experience the holidays when their parents have recently separated or are having relationship difficulties, which can be heightened over the holidays. With so much focus on the “business” of Christmas and on the problems parents are facing themselves, the fact that things are also changing for their kids at this special, often magical, time of year can be overlooked. Let the holidays be a reminder to give your children the gift of time—time with you, time with your children’s other parent, time with extended family, and of course, time to enjoy themselves! If you have questions about creating a path forward through separation, make an appointment with a lawyer in the new year to discuss the child-focused options available, like mediation and the Collaborative Process. Happy holidays!