Overview
- Separated parents are urged not to hold a joint celebration to reduce stress and avoid giving children false hopes of reconciliation, according to Rainbows OÖ.
- When teenagers want to spend the holiday with a partner, counselors recommend flexibility or shifting the family gathering to an alternative date such as the fourth Advent.
- Large or multigenerational get-togethers run smoother with early task-sharing, realistic expectations, and a “good enough” mindset instead of perfection.
- For young children, experts advise planning movement, limiting gifts, creating quiet zones, and starting festivities earlier to prevent overstimulation.
- Couples juggling two families are encouraged to set firm limits, opt for shorter visits with time buffers, and keep their own calming rituals to avoid exhaustion.