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DIVORCE AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON Make Smart Decisions That Support Your Child’s Well-Being
DECEMBER 2025
Throughout the year, many businesses experience a busy season. You might not think divorce and family law attorneys get busier during a specific time of year, but we do. January is usually our busiest month. Clients often gear up around December for a divorce, but want to get through the holiday season before moving forward. Many people don’t want to spoil the holidays for their child or an unsuspecting spouse, or they don’t have the funds to afford divorce proceedings, Christmas gifts, and travel at the same time. Some people make divorce their New Year’s resolution, resolving to end the following year in a happier personal space than they are currently. Additionally, the kids will be back in school in January, so parents will have more bandwidth to deal with the divorce proceedings and generally feel that it will be less disruptive to their children. However, for those parents gearing up for a divorce or who are already divorced and share custody, it is important to do everything possible to ensure the holidays remain special for your children. We encourage parents to make the holidays about their kids instead of focusing on the other parent’s irritating, unlikeable, irresponsible, or narcissistic behaviors. Expressing any ill will about the other parent through gestures (eye rolls, sighs, snarls, silence in response to their name) or conversations might ruin the holidays for your kids.
Remember, children often view themselves as half one parent and half the other, so disparaging remarks about the other parent can make a child feel bad about themselves. And no parent wants that. We want our children to feel happy, secure, and loved. A critical thing for divorced or separated parents to understand is that sticking to the parenting plan during the holidays is fine, but if the parents think a different arrangement will work better and are in agreement about what that arrangement should be, go for it! However, if the parents are not getting along, follow the holiday parenting plan already in place. Another way to ensure the holidays stay amicable is to plan presents with the other parent. You don’t want Christmas or Hanukkah to become a competition for who gets your child the best gift. Coordinate beforehand. If you’d like to get your child one big present each year, consider going in together on the purchase, alternating who buys the big gift, or agree on who will buy which big gift. This is also a time of year when it is best to speak kindly about the other parent when your child is present. A lovely thing you can do in this situation is to help your child pick out a gift for the other parent, so they know that their relationship does not need to be a secret and met with hostility. Ask them what they want to get Mom or Dad for Christmas or Hanukkah, and take them to the store to purchase it. This gesture will go a long way toward creating a healthy relationship between you, your child, and the other parent. For parents who won’t have their kids for the holidays, plan something so you aren’t home alone. Take a trip, visit your parents or a sibling, or do something special for yourself outside the house. Even though staying home might sound like a good idea leading up to a holiday (I mean, who doesn’t romanticize alone time), heavy feelings might start to weigh on you when Christmas comes, making the day way more difficult than previously imagined. The holidays can be a difficult time for divorced couples or those in the midst of a divorce. Remember to act rationally and keep your children’s best interests in mind.
“W e want our children to feel happy , secure , and loved .”
- Esther Vayman
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N o T ime ? N o P roblem
RELY ON BODYWEIGHT BASICS. If you don’t have any equipment, it’s not a problem! Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks deliver serious results using only your body weight. They’re portable, adaptable, and efficient, perfect for hotel rooms, living rooms, or even the office. DON’T SKIP HYDRATION AND SLEEP. Drinking enough water and getting enough rest are two underrated hacks. Hydration keeps your brain sharp and muscles ready to perform, while quality sleep ensures your body can recover and push harder the next day. Sometimes, the healthiest move is choosing sleep over another late-night grind. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS. Progress isn’t just about six-packs or running marathons. Did you manage five push-ups between meetings? Celebrate that. Took the stairs instead of the elevator? That counts. Recognizing these victories builds momentum and helps create a lasting habit.
S mart F itness T ips for P acked S chedules
Between back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes, and endless to-do lists, staying fit can feel like a luxury reserved for people with extra hours in the day. But here’s the secret: You don’t need hours, you just need strategy. With the right hacks, you can incorporate fitness into your routine, no matter how hectic your schedule looks. SNEAK IN MICRO-WORKOUTS. Your calendar may be jam-packed, but fitness doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. Think micro-workouts: pace during phone calls, squats while brushing your teeth, or squeeze in a quick plank before bed. These small bursts add up over time and keep you moving without derailing your schedule. USE INTERVAL TRAINING WISELY. Instead of committing to long, draining sessions, try short intervals of intense activity
paired with light recovery moves. Ten minutes of push-ups, squats, or stair sprints can leave you feeling energized without the guilt of skipping a “real” workout. It’s efficient, effective, and surprisingly doable. TREAT EXERCISE LIKE A MEETING. If you wouldn’t cancel a client call, why cancel on yourself? Block out short fitness breaks in your calendar, whether a 20-minute lunchtime walk or a quick yoga stretch after work. When you schedule it, you’re more likely to follow through. PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCCESS. Keep a ready-to-go fitness bag with sneakers, a water bottle, and workout gear. Having everything within reach reduces excuses and makes it easier to stick to your plan.
F un A ctivities for Y our H oliday P arenting T ime FAMILY ADVENTURES AWAIT For many Americans, the holiday season is about togetherness, family, and making memories that will last a lifetime. There’s something special about taking your kids somewhere fun and unique during a free weekend or time off from school, and the Atlanta area has so many fun events going on right now. Here are four ideas worth exploring before the end of the year. MIRACLE ON PEACHTREE Buckhead goes big for the holidays. Throughout the month of December, the community will host a hot chocolate crawl, outdoor yoga, a holiday movie night, and so much more. Even if you don’t go during one of their highly anticipated events, you’ll still enjoy shopping, taking in the sights, and enjoying everything Buckhead has to offer. GARDEN LIGHTS AND HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN Few things are more awe-inspiring than seeing
is no exception. Whether you want to laugh along with your kids during a showing of “Elf the Musical,” watch an awe-inspiring rendition of “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” or catch an incredible concert showcasing your favorite Christmas songs, there is something for everyone this month! GET OUTSIDE When the weather cools down, many people will head inside to bundle up in the warmth. While it might sound tempting, you’ll miss out on many beautiful sights and fun activities around Atlanta. You could visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area or the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to see these beautiful areas in a new light. They become even more magical with snow on the ground! If your kids want to be active, take them to a skating rink or sledding hill. Many have already popped up around our community, so you just have to get out and find one close to you!
beautifully designed and decorated holiday lights and displays. From now until Jan. 11, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of this amazing event’s 15th celebration. There’s something to see around every turn, and your kids will want to come back year after year to see what’s new! HOLIDAY SHOWS GALORE The Fox Theatre always puts on some great shows during the holiday season; this year
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What’s the first Christmas gift you remember being truly excited about?
Amanda H My sparkly purple bicycle Gianna My dog Rascal Mari A Barbie guitar Aline A motorized kid car Kaitlyn My DSi Abby A classic red wagon Katie An American Girl doll Lily A baby doll
Leah A Big Wheel Maggie
An extra-large Mickey Mouse Ashlyn Bumper cars Brooke A Wii Brianna My first cellphone Jennifer A kid sister doll Abigayle An Xbox 360 Natasha Super Girl’s World doll Stephanie The birth of my first child, who came two weeks after Christmas.
RAVE REVI EWS
“I CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH
OF THIS FIRM. IT FELT IMPOSSIBLE SETTING MY DAD’S ESTATE, BUT THEIR SERVICES WERE EXTREMELY HELPFUL WHEN WE NEEDED IT MOST.”
Amanda D. A giant stuffed Meeko raccoon from “Pocahontas” Sara Ren & Stimpy stuffed animals
C rispy P rosciutto and C heese S liders
ingredients • 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
BRAIN BREAK
• 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD GIFTS MENORAH
MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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YOUR GUIDE TO NAVIGATE DIVORCE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
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QUICK WORKOUTS FOR HECTIC LIVES
ATLANTA’S CAN’T-MISS HOLIDAY EVENTS
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE SLIDERS
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CREATE HOLIDAY MAGIC WITHOUT SPENDING BIG
T raditions T hat W on ’ t C ost a F ortune FESTIVE FUN MADE EASY
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Suddenly, the calendar is full, stores are packed, and wallets feel too light. But here’s the truth: The most memorable moments don’t come from expensive gifts or elaborate trips. We spark them from laughter, creativity, and time spent together. Whether you’re looking for cozy nights in or adventures out in the crisp winter air, here are fun, low-cost holiday activities for the whole family. Festive Fun at Home Let’s turn home into holiday central! You can wrap your front door like a giant present, or craft homemade ornaments from everyday supplies. Popcorn and cranberry garlands, paper chains with gratitude notes, and handmade snowflakes instantly transform your space into a festive wonderland. For extra
coziness, plan a movie night complete with blankets, popcorn, and your family’s favorite holiday classics. Creative Crafts and Tasty Treats You don’t need to buy pricey kits when you can create your own fun. Build a gingerbread house from scratch, or whip up batches of cookies and let everyone go wild with frosting and sprinkles. If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, make birdseed ornaments from pinecones and peanut butter, then watch the backyard come alive with feathered guests. Outdoor Adventures Bundle up and take a nighttime drive (or stroll) to admire the best light displays in your town. It’s a free way to soak up the magic of the season together. If you’re lucky enough to get snow, the options are endless: snowmen, forts, snow angels, or even a friendly snowball fight.
And when it’s too chilly to stay outside, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Sharing the Holiday Spirit The season feels even brighter when you spread joy beyond your own home. Go caroling in your neighborhood or at a local nursing home, attend a school holiday concert, or deliver handmade cards to friends and neighbors. These simple gestures leave lasting impressions and remind everyone what the holidays are truly about. Cozy Traditions That Last For a touch of nostalgia, start a new tradition like sleeping under the Christmas tree one night, creating a DIY advent calendar, or hosting a family game night with holiday music playing in the background. These small rituals are the ones kids and adults both look forward to each year.
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