When Your Ex Has a Bigger Holiday Budget

Article published by The Divorce Magazine in November 2024.

The holiday season can be challenging for divorced co-parents, especially when one parent has a more generous budget for gifts. When your ex can spend more lavishly on presents, it can leave you feeling sad or frustrated about holiday arrangements, especially if you’re feeling financially constrained. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment and find ways to care for yourself during the holidays.

In this article, I share a variety of approaches and coping strategies to ensure your Christmas is filled with meaning, no matter what your financial circumstances are. Here are strategies for handling differing budgets with grace, fostering a positive holiday experience, coparenting effectively with your ex and strengthening your bond with your children.

1. Shift the Focus to Meaningful Moments Over Material Gifts

When your budget is tighter, think about ways to create lasting memories that don’t centre around material items. Moments like decorating the tree together, going ice-skating, or making holiday crafts are valuable ways to build a joyful holiday atmosphere. Emphasise activities that create a sense of connection, so the focus moves away from presents to experiences.

Studies show that people, especially children, remember moments and feelings more vividly than they do material items. This means that building memories fosters a warm, lasting impression.

It’s natural for children to get excited about gifts, and sometimes they might even compare what they receive from each parent. While you don’t need to address financial matters directly, you can teach the values of gratitude and caring in a gentle way.

If gifts are a central part of your holiday tradition, consider offering experience-based gifts rather than things. For example, you might plan a special outing, like a trip to a local museum, a picnic in the snow, or baking holiday classics. These activities can become cherished memories that feel just as fulfilling as a physical gift.

This approach teaches kids to appreciate a range of experiences and helps them understand that different families and homes can have varying holiday celebrations. Gratitude goes a long way in building a more positive, balanced attitude in children toward the holidays and life in general.

2. Have a Constructive Conversation with Your Ex (If Possible)

If you and your ex maintain open communication, consider addressing the gift-giving topic to create a more balanced approach. It might feel uncomfortable, but setting a unified intention can help avoid the potential of gift-giving becoming a competition. You can suggest various solutions: buying joint gifts for the children or agreeing a similar budget can be a good idea. Some parents do a mix of both, where they will split the cost of a larger gift “from Father Christmas” and agree on a similar budget for smaller gifts from each parent. You can be as creative as you wish with these arrangements, the key is to collaborate effectively to find a solution that allows the children to have a wonderful experience, no matter how much you spend.

Frame the conversation with a positive focus, using language that reflects your intentions for the children’s benefit rather than any frustration or jealousy. When you both prioritise the kids’ happiness, you’re more likely to find common ground on holiday arrangements.

3. Create New Holiday Traditions

One way of making Christmas special for your children is to start a unique post-divorce family tradition that they can look forward to every year. Maybe it’s a specific holiday movie marathon, preparing a festive meal, or spending Christmas Eve together reading holiday stories. Traditions like these not only help establish your home as a place of stability and warmth but also show children that the holiday’s joy comes from family, love, and consistency.

One idea I often share, is to design a fun and budget-friendly holiday calendar. Plan daily or weekly festive activities that don’t require a large budget. For example:

• Holiday Movie Nights: Watching classic holiday movies as a family with homemade popcorn.
• Long Forest Walk Followed by Hot Chocolate: Take your children on a nice long walk in the cold before returning home for a large cup of hot chocolate and their favourite treats.
• Christmas Baking Day: Pick one day to bake holiday cookies together and enjoy the results.
• Holiday Lights Adventure: Go to the closest high street to see all the festive decorations and displays.

Simple activities like these add excitement and anticipation, creating a festive atmosphere in a way that feels more special than any expensive gift.

4. Stay Positive and Avoid Comparisons

Comparing yourself to your ex, or even to other families, can fuel insecurity. Instead, focus on what you can offer and remember that emotional security and stability are gifts that children will carry with them for life.

Children pick up on emotional cues and can sense when parents feel down or inadequate. Maintaining a positive attitude helps them see that holiday joy isn’t tied to what they receive. Modelling this positive approach encourages resilience and gratitude in children.

While it might feel difficult to watch your ex give extravagant gifts, remember that supporting your children’s relationship with both parents is beneficial. You can show genuine excitement for what they receive from their other parent, while still showing pride in the experiences and gifts you provide.

This doesn’t mean you have to agree with every choice your ex makes, but it does mean showing respect for your children’s enthusiasm and experiences. This attitude will foster a sense of security and help your kids feel loved by both parents without any guilt or confusion.

Final Thoughts

While it’s natural to feel pressure or frustration when your ex has a larger holiday budget, remember that the joy your children experience during Christmas doesn’t hinge on expensive gifts but on the warmth, joy, and love you bring into your home. By emphasising meaningful moments, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on what you can provide, you’re giving your children the best gift of all—cherished memories and a stable, loving holiday experience.