Old, but good tips for a great holiday season

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - If you are now going through a divorce, or have divorced within the past year, Christmas and the holidays can be less than merry.  Here are some old, but good reminders of how to put some cheer into your holidays.

Don't be a grinch!  You may be angry with your ex, but help your kids pick out a great  present for their dad and make wrapping it an event.  It will send a powerful and positive message about how to act like an adult, no matter what.

Have the kids help make some Christmas cookies to take to their dad's when they visit.  It can be a lot of fun for your whole crew and it will brighten your spirits too.

Start some new traditions.  Think up some fun things to do that are new to you and your kids that can become your new Christmas tradition.  Go ice skating, take a hike in the woods to check out the 'Christmas' trees nature decorated with pine cones, go to the zoo and drop off some treats for the animals (call them first and they will give you a list), or stop by the Humane Society and donate dog and cat treats for the pups and kittens in their care.

Curb your expectations.  Don't expect that everything will go well and your ex will cooperate.  If you don't expect the best, you won't be disappointed.  But if you give your best you won't care.

You get the idea, turn the downer issues like having to get a present for someone you no longer even like into a positive and you and your kids will have the best Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas from DAWN to all of you!  May you enjoy a peaceful and joyful holiday.

Nothing herein constitutes a legal opinion.