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Published on:

12th Dec 2023

Thriving Through the Tinsel: 7 Ways Divorced Parents Can Make Holidays Special for Their Children

Holidays can be tough when you are divorced, but coming up with a strategy to enjoy them is possible! I am discussing 7 things you can do to help your children and yourself navigate the holidays. From creating new traditions, to having expectations around finances, and even dealing with high conflict parenting situations, I have some wonderful ideas throughout this episode. Tune in to learn more ways to make your holiday special after divorce. 

In this episode:

  • [2:48] How do kids feel during the holidays when their parents are divorced and how can you support them with those feelings?
  • [7:59] 7 things you can do to help your children through the holidays.
  • [14:01] How to manage the holidays if you are in a high-conflict parenting situation.


Key Takeaways: 

  • [9:02] Discuss the holiday schedule with your children so they are not left wondering what the time out of school might look like. Provide them with clarity of how the schedule will look, and answer any questions they may have. 
  • [10:52] Find some new traditions you can start with your children. There may be opportunities to do activities that weren’t an option while you were married. Quality time with your kids is what matters most to them. 
  • [13:22] Prioritize your own self care. Have empathy with yourself and make sure that you are taking care of yourself so you can take care of your children well. 


Quotes: 

“I know there's lots of tricky things involved, but you can set the tone for a positive experience. So the greatest thing that you can do is to be united with the other co-parent and work together and let the kids see that you are working together.” - Lesa Koski


“My childhood memories of Christmas, I think the best ones are when we did something. I don't remember the gifts that I got, but I remember the time that we spent together. So remember that your kids just need time with you as simple as going sledding down a hill and getting hot cocoa.” - Lesa Koski


“You need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your children well. They need you more than anything. So make sure that you're in a good spot, you're doing the things to get your mind right so that you don't have to be stressed out and be easy on yourself. If you are struggling to have empathy, it is a tough time of year, but you can help your children thrive through the holidays.” - Lesa Koski


Resources: 

A Kid With Two Homes Instagram

Lesa Koski Website

Lesa’s Online Courses

Lesa’s Masterclass


To receive real-time alerts that your child is safe, visit https://www.soberlink.com/partners/different


I am so honored to introduce my FREE Co-Parenting Masterclass. This masterclass shares tools to co-parent well even with a difficult co-parent. You will learn the 5 C's of a Co-Parenting Plan and a free bonus resource with Certified Divorce Lending Specialist, Tami Wollensak, sharing what you want to consider regarding the family home. Sign up to receive a video replay at https://www.lesakoski.com/co-parenting-masterclass

Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

About your host

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Lesa Koski