Warm. Comfortable. Joyful. Simple words that come to mind when thinking of the holidays.

Christmas is that excuse to get out of school in order for students to spend time with their families and friends. And if the holidays weren’t hectic enough, imagine doubling the frenzy. For Robert Sellers, this is exactly the case.

“Sometimes it’s hard going back and forth from my parents but we usually have a schedule depending on the year,” Sellers said. “I mainly spend it with my mom and my sister who live in Joshua, Texas.”

The word ‘divorce’ is definitely no stranger to teens nowadays. According to census.gov, one out of three households in the United States consists of minors living with divorced parents. The site states that separation sometimes leaves scars or trauma and, depending on circumstances, takes immense toll on teenagers themselves.

“Depending on the times, it’s difficult,” Sellers said. “Like not getting to see your mom except for two days a month, it’s pretty hard. But other people could have it worse- like not getting to see their parents at all.”

There’s no denying that it can be difficult for any kid to cope with their parents splitting up but it can become even more challenging during the holidays. According to divorceguide.com, the best way to not let it put one’s feelings down is to focus on the positive. Set up a schedule or make up a new tradition to create new memories. The key is communication and the will to adjust.

“We usually hang out around the house, go bowling or see movies,” Sellers said, referring to his time spent at his mom’s.

Sellers believes that belonging to a split family isn’t as terrible as it seems.

“I get more but it’s kind of nice because if I can’t get something in one house I have a chance of getting it at the other house,” Sellers said. “Usually every Christmas Eve I get to pick one present and open it- it doesn’t matter where I am that Christmas Eve because I do that in whichever house.”

Warm. Comfortable. Joyful… Secure. Whether ones parents stay together or not, the aspect of family never really changes. There are always people who care enough to be there during the holidays even if it isn’t picture perfect. The perspective just happens to lie in the eyes of the beholder.

“Always think of the future when it comes to seeing your family. Ask yourself: is it for the better? But don’t think it’s your fault- focus that it’ll end soon and you’ll go on with life.”