Sharing A Holiday? 3 Tips For Surviving Easter With Your Ex

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus alone may leave you feeling empty and depressed on a day that should be filled with joy. Your heart may ache as you attend worship services by yourself, and the sadness may continue when you arrive home and see the untouched Easter baskets on your counter. The day doesn't have to be like this, though. If you and your ex are still on decent terms, you can spend the day together rather than shuffling your kids back and forth to split the holiday. Make the day memorable -- in a good way -- by keeping these tips in mind during your joint celebration.  

Set Boundaries

Overstepped boundaries can transform a happy day into a stressful occasion. Talk to your ex a week or two before the holiday and discuss boundaries. For example, if you are uncomfortable letting your ex wander through your once-shared home, don't be afraid to ask him to stick to the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom. Your ex may not want you to ask about his current significant other, especially if you have not started dating again yet. Decide whether any actions or topics are off limits, and make a genuine effort to respect each other's wishes.

Know Where You Stand

Sometimes relationships end up in a confusing, in-between stage where you're more than friends but not quite a couple. If you're separated but not divorced, there may be some confusion. If your ex girlfriend said she wanted to "take a break" but never formally ended things, you may be wondering if you're still together. Talk about your relationship -- or lack of -- prior to your Easter festivities so that everyone is on the same page. Otherwise, one of you may end up hurt when an affection embrace is rejected or a family member asks about your relationship. 

Avoid Legal Talk

Easter is about Christ's resurrection. You should not spend it discussing child support, visitation plans, or anything related to your divorce. This creates an unpleasant environment for all of your guests, including your children. Schedule a meeting with a family law attorney prior to your Easter celebration so that you can hash out any major issues before the holiday. That way, you can focus on hiding eggs with your ex or watching the kids pull treats out of their baskets.

If you decide to celebrate Easter -- or any other holiday -- with your ex, meet with a custody lawyer, like Andrew H. P. Norton, first. Child custody lawyers know that even the nicest exes can be fickle at times, and you don't want to find out that you're spending Easter without your kids at the last minute. Get your shared holiday plans in writing to avoid any surprises, even if you and your ex generally get along pretty well. Your Easter celebration will be even more enjoyable when you and your ex both know that there is a set visitation schedule in place for the day. 


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