Cupid's Pulse Article: Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli Will Split Holidays with DaughtersCupid's Pulse Article: Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli Will Split Holidays with Daughters

By Nicole Weintraub

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Jennie Garth will be celebrating solo while her daughters are with ex Peter Facinelli, according to UsMagazine.com. Garth and Facinelli are currently separated but have yet to finalize their divorce after eleven years of marriage. This is the couples’ first shared holiday in the sense that they will be splitting the girls up between families for the holidays. Facinelli has Thanksgiving, but Garth has the three girls for Christmas time. Though her children will not be with her for the actual holiday, Garth plans on celebrating with her daughters on Saturday while spending the day of with some friends. Garth and Facinelli split back in March and have yet to finalize the details of their divorce, but are “hammering out the details” according to Garth.

What are some ways to keep your children happy during the holidays post-split?

Cupid’s Advice:

Divorce can be difficult, especially on kids around the holidays.  Here are some pointers on how to keep your kids cheerful during the holidays after a split:

1. Come together: If possible, spend the holidays together as a large family. Even though you are no longer with your partner, the two of you can set aside your differences for the sake of your children. If you are doing as Garth and Facinelli, celebrate the holiday with your kids on a different day.

2. Put on a brave face: If the split is fresh, don’t let your kids see you upset. If they see you being down in the dumps, they will follow suit. Children repeat what is modeled to them.

3. Follow through with traditions: Just because you are no longer one big happy family does not mean that you cannot continue with your holiday traditions. Kids crave normalcy and routine after a sudden split.

What are some ways you would cheer your kids up during the holidays? Share your ideas with us.