During the holidays, as always, parents need to view the world through their children’s eyes.  Every decision should consider how the children will handle it.  If this is the first time the children are spending Christmas with only one of their parents, then the parents should be sensitive to that aspect.  A child might worry about the parent they are not with.  Take that worry away by giving the children a united, joint message.  “Mom and I are so excited that you are going to be having Christmas with her this year!  And then with me for New Years!”