Table of Contents
In our first blog in the holiday series, we provided some tips on how people going through separation or divorce can avoid some of the pitfalls associated with careless social media use. In this second post, we provide suggestions to our readers about how they can explain to their children why the holidays might look different this year.
COVID-19 considerations
As we mentioned in our first blog post, a second wave of COVID-19 is well underway throughout Canada. Many families have been impacted by the pandemic financially or otherwise, and it is inevitable that those impacts will be felt during the holiday season. There are also many restrictions in place that will affect the holidays this year, from limits on the number of people who can gather together, to constraints on travel.
While parents want their children to have as much of a normal childhood as possible, they will need to explain that the pandemic is going to make the holidays look slightly less “traditional” this year. Among other things, parents should explain to their children that COVID-19 will impact their ability to gather with friends and family in person, as Ontario residents have been urged to celebrate the holidays with those in their own households only; that there will be no traveling to warm, exciting destinations; and that gift-giving might not look the same this year.
Different does not have to mean bad
Parents should take care to tell children even though the holidays will look different this year, they are still in for a fun, perhaps even more meaningful celebration than years past. Parents can explain that:
- This is the year to create new, memorable traditions together.
- Just as it is hard for them not to see their loved ones, their family and friends are missing and thinking of them too.
- Now is the time to reach out virtually – this is an opportunity to be more creative and expressive.
- The focus this holiday season is on connecting with people in different ways and being grateful for all the wonderful things we have that we might have taken for granted in previous years.
- Holidays are about family, but also about communities and keeping the people you love safe. Health care professionals and other essential workers are doing a lot for us, and the one thing we can do for them in return is to be careful and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Connect With Us
At Gelman & Associates, we understand that this is an uncertain and stressful time. We remain open to help our clients, but are taking precautions to keep safety paramount. We provide compassionate, forward-thinking guidance to our clients, and our goal is to always empower clients to make informed decisions about their future. To help you maintain positive mental health during a difficult period, we also offer our clients a free consultation with a psychological professional.
In order to be available to clients and prospective clients, our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call us at 1-844-769-0737, or contact us online if you have a family law matter you need help with.
