Mum decides against having her kids at Christmas after years of stress

A woman has opened up about her decision not to have her children at Christmas, explaining they will now be spending the day with her ex-partner after years of stress

A mum says deciding not to have her kids on Christmas Day was one of the best decisions she’s ever made and has proven beneficial for herself, her children, and her ex-partner. Lauren Demetriou separated from the father of her two daughters, Ben, back in 2019, and the former couple has since decided to do things differently.

The pair were determined to still work together as a unit, always putting their daughters first, and this is why they agreed that Lauren wouldn’t have the kids with her on Christmas Day. Before splitting up, Christmas was a huge event in Lauren and Ben’s household but wasn’t exactly a relaxing time of year. Lauren struggled with the constant event juggling the seasonal holiday required and often viewed it as more of a chore than a celebration.

In an interview for Mamamia, Lauren, who is from Australia, explained: “Christmas was never a holiday that’s been deeply important to me. And I remember so many years of stress, having multiple family functions, and not having healthy boundaries in place.

“But for my ex, it’s a different story. For him and his loved ones, Christmas has a lot of resonance. Some of them are quite religious as well – so I think it would mean more to him to have the kids on the 25th.”

This change has proven to be ‘liberating’ for Lauren, who now feels free to make new festive traditions that suit her much better. Ben takes the girls for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while Lauren tends to spend this time with her own parents and brother.

Lauren will then go on to celebrate the rest of the festive season with their kids for about a week or so from December 27th onward, and they particularly enjoy heading up to Victoria’s surf coast together.

According to Lauren, their children have adjusted really well to their new situation, and the amicable arrangement has helped them feel more secure about their parents’ split.

Lauren continued: “No longer do I have to manage the ‘perfect’ Christmas day and negotiate with someone about what to get the kids. I do what I want to do, and it feels great.

“Sure, Ben and I may consult on gifts for the girls if it’s a big-ticket item, but there’s less stress now. Plus, we no longer have to get gifts for one another’s families as well.”

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