Christmas is a wonderful time of year but unfortunately for some families, it can be a source of pain or stress. If you are separated or divorced from your partner you may need to share the kids on Christmas Day and this can be hard.

Some families decide to spend the day together regardless whereas others may spend half a day with the kids and vice versa but that leaves one parent potentially alone without the kids for a time.

It may sound sad but there are things you can do to enjoy Christmas when the kids are with their father or mother and here are some tips:

Be organised and know the plan for your kids – If your kids are going to your ex-partner's after dinner or if they are spending the morning with them you need to know. It is vitally important your kiddies know too as they need the routine and Christmas is meant to be fun for the kids and not a source of stress. Get organised and know the plan, for everyone’s sakes.

Surround yourself with more family or friends – Once the kiddies are gone, sit down and enjoy the day with the people around you. Try now to wallow and have a laugh with your family or friends. Play games, have a glass of mulled wine and relax while the kids are away. Good family and friends are so important at this time of year and you will find their support and company invaluable.

Take time to watch movies and chill out - Christmas is all about movies and the hours pass quickly while you watch movies. It can be a good way to distract your mind if you are missing the kiddies. Of course, try and watch happy or funny films so you won’t be an emotional wreck! The key thing here is to laugh and be jolly as it is Christmas after all!

Plan for the new year - Take this opportunity to consider 2019 and what it is you want to achieve in the next year. You may not usually have time to think as the kids keep you busy. Well, get yourself a nice pen and a pad before sitting down and planning your dreams for the next year. Even better if you are feeling a little tipsy as you will find the best ideas come from a bit of tipsiness! Enjoy it and scroll down everything you would love to do or achieve in the next year and see where it takes you.

Pamper yourself with a long bath and relax for the rest of your day – If you got some fancy bath salts or bombs now is the time to try them out as without the distraction of kids you can get a proper soak! Once you have had a mini pampering session, relax with a bowl of ice cream or pudding before lazing on the sofa. If you love reading sit and do that as parents know only too well that time to read is sacred.

Plan a second Christmas Day if you want to – This may help if you are missing the kids and you should plan to have another Christmas Day as soon as possible after the main day where you have the kids to yourself. Play with them and spend time with them in the same way you would on Christmas Day.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.