Two Turkeys, Two Menorahs, and Two Trees: Coping with Holiday Overload

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Two Turkeys, Two Menorahs, and Two Trees: Coping with Holiday Overload

Parents often try to focus on the positives of holidays when going through a divorce. You’ll get to celebrate twice! There will be two trees and two turkeys! Lots of presents! Tons of fun!

In reality a doubled up approach to holidays can be overwhelming for children, particularly when it’s new and they are still processing the change in their family. While it might seem great to promise double the amount of holiday fun, in reality, it can be confusing and tiring. Follow these tips to keep your child happy and prevent their holiday from imploding:

  • Stick to schedules. Naps, bedtime, and mealtimes should stay normal for young kids. It’s tempting to make an exception because it’s a special occasion, but you will almost always pay for that decision.
  • Don’t compare. Asking your child to compare your Thanksgiving with Mom’s creates sadness and conflict in your child. Instead be happy for what your child experiences and don’t create a competition.
  • Create downtime. If you are picking a young child up from your ex’s Thanksgiving and going straight to your family’s, it may be too much. If at all possible, make time to breathe.
  • Know when it’s enough. While tons of family, piles of gifts, and tables of amazing food sound like a dream, in reality it gets overwhelming. Don’t overstay so that your child becomes exhausted and overwhelmed.
  • Listen without quizzing. Your child will likely happily babble on about what happened at the other parent’s home. Your job is to listen without drilling your child about the details or making judgments.
  • Clue in your family. Let them know how you’re handling things and encourage them not to speak poorly of your ex, ask your child if he’s sad about not being with Daddy or try to compensate for the divorce with crazy gift-giving.

Call DeTorres & DeGeorge for help with your custody and divorce case.

About DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law

DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law is a New Jersey based family law firm that has been helping New Jersey residents achieve the best possible results in their divorce for nearly 30 years. The DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law team is always ready to fight for their clients’ rights – determined to help New Jersey families overcome legal challenges from start to finish. Our legal team, with over 65 years of combined experience, provides expert guidance on all family law and divorce-related matters, including custody and parenting time, alimony and child support, equitable distribution of assets, premarital agreements, post-divorce issues, executive compensation distribution, divorces for business owners, and divorce mediation. The firm has been recognized for its dedication and expertise in the industry by multiple local and national organizations, including Super Lawyers, Law Firm 500, and the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Rosanne DeTorres, Managing Partner, is one of 150 lawyers certified as a matrimonial law attorney.

Carolyn B. Hand
Carolyn Hand is a passionate and experienced litigator specializing in family law. In 2020, she was named partner at DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law. Carolyn represents clients in family court in all matters pertaining to divorce, custody...
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