Oh and "Dad" him up. Praise him, talk him up to the kids. He is a good dad, right? (when his head is on straight...). So, be excited for the kids when he walks in "Look! Yay! Dad is here!"....

Quote:
I am not trying to make Christmas nice for him but for my kids.


Why don't you want him to have a nice Christmas? My H has been horrible to me, but I am 100% positive I want him to be happy and have a great holiday.

Is he staying at your house?

About Christmas gifts, think really good friend. Gift cards, things like that. Nothing nostalgic or romantic....

Quote:
I need to be happy and fun again


There is no faking this. Not for long at least. Its the same thing as always, make yourself happy, your kids happy. This is the way to be 'fun' again.