With the unremitting pressure the headlines, a provocative announcement by Madonna's representative and their separation must have placed upon them, hats off to the Material Girl and her ex for putting their kids first this Christmas.

The ink is scarcely dry on their divorce papers so emotions on both sides are likely to still remain raw. Yet they made the effort to ensure that Rocco, David and Lourdes - who although she's not the biological child of the British film director must, after spending eight of her 12 years under his roof, feel his absence - got to share the festive season with both their mum and dad.

Divorce is inevitably a traumatic event for youngsters, no matter how carefully the break-up is orchestrated by the parents. And experiencing that upheaval during a period so closely associated with family life would only have increased its impact. So hats off to Madonna and Guy for their efforts to do the right thing and put their own agenda on the back burner in order to maintain a semblance of harmony and affection for the three most affected by their decision to go their own ways.

Let's just hope they'll be equally civilised when it comes to divvying up when, where and for how long the children will spend time with them in the future.