Marnie Parkinson: Tips from an Albany lawyer on how to navigate Christmas after a separation

The holiday season can feel overwhelming for separated families.

For parents, it’s about navigating a new norm, and for children it’s filled with uncertainties — ‘Will I see both parents? Will Santa find me?’.

Without court orders or formal agreements in place for holiday arrangements, creating a plan that works for everyone can seem daunting.

But when parents put their agendas aside and focus on the children, a joyful, balanced holiday season is possible.

Here are some ways to make it work.

Prioritise time with both parents

If no formal arrangements exist, and where practical, children should spend meaningful time with both parents on Christmas Day.

However, consider logistics — such as distance — to avoid spending the day shuttling kids in the car for hours.

Share Christmas Day (and the joy)

An example of a balanced schedule could involve one parent having the children from Christmas Eve until 2pm on Christmas Day, while the other has them from 2pm through late Boxing Day.

This arrangement alternates each year, ensuring both parents get the joy of Christmas morning with their children every other year.

Continue old traditions (if they work)

If past traditions involved splitting time on Christmas Day — such as lunch with one parent’s family and dinner with the other — it might be worth continuing if both parties agree.

Familiar routines can provide a sense of stability and comfort for children during this transition.

Make it about the kids

At the heart of every decision should be the goal of giving the children the best possible Christmas.

This means working together to create plans that allow them to enjoy quality time with both parents and their extended families.

By prioritising the children’s happiness and being flexible, separated families can turn the holidays into a season of joy and love, even in the face of new dynamics.

After all, Christmas is about creating magical memories — and that’s something both parents can contribute to, together or apart.

Marnie Parkinson is a senior lawyer at Greenstone Legal. She is based in Albany and Perth.