Tori Spelling Is Excited For First Christmas Shopping As A Single Mom

Amidst the holiday cheer, Tori Spelling is opening up about her solo Christmas preparations after parting ways with husband Dean McDermott.

Despite perceived custody challenges with her estranged husband, the actress is ready to embrace her newfound independence. 

In an Instagram Story shared on Friday, the 50-year-old provided a glimpse into her holiday hustle as she geared up to create magical moments for her five children. Spelling, a mother to three sons - Liam, Finn, Beau - and two daughters - Stella and Hattie - revealed her last-minute Christmas shopping spree. 

Accompanied by an image of a festive disco ball adorned with green garland and red ribbon, the author humorously shared, "It's December 22 and I officially bought my first gift for Christmas. 5 Christmas lists to tackle. 3 days to do." 

She regretfully acknowledged missing the Amazon Prime cutoff for online shopping but expressed her determination to conquer the mall solo. Excited for her new adventure, she shared:

"Now I'll have to brave the mall alone. Crushing this single mom Christmas 2023."

Although this marks the family's first Christmas since the "Beverly Hills, 90210" star and McDermott's separation earlier this year, it is not the first holiday they have spent apart. 

On Thanksgiving, the actor took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, revealing that he chose to spend the holiday at a sober living facility. Clad in a flannel shirt, McDermott expressed his plans for a festive celebration with his housemates at Freedom House before noting that they were "going to have a lot of fun."

The "Slasher" star conveyed gratitude for the positive aspects of his life, including his children, "new friends in sobriety, his sponsor," and the supportive communities he connected with during his journey. 

Wishing his Instagram followers a wonderful Thanksgiving, he said, "I'm just truly blessed, and I hope everybody has a wonderful day." 

In the aftermath of his public separation from Spelling, the 57-year-old was reportedly keen on maintaining a close relationship with their five children. The dynamics of their separation raised questions about potential legal battles for custody, leaving many to wonder how the estranged pair would navigate this challenging chapter.

According to an insider, McDermott's priority is spending quality time with his kids despite the complexities of their estranged relationship. The source revealed his aspirations, saying, "He wants access to the kids and he wants to set a good example." 

Despite assertions that he had not seen his children since June, they noted that McDermott remained hopeful about staying in "good graces" with his ex-wife and the rest of her family.

Earlier this summer, the "Chopped Canada" host announced the separation on social media, only to delete the post shortly afterward. In an interview, he candidly addressed the tumultuous period, citing a particularly difficult moment fueled by alcohol and anger. 

He explained, "My worst memory with Tori is that last fight when I was drunk and angry. It was the night that I raged against her and the children and I saw the light, the final flicker of the flame go out in her eyes. I posted that because I was at the end of my rope. I didn't know what to do. I had burned everything down yet again."

Revealing his struggles with substance abuse, McDermott admitted to reaching his "wit's end" and took "six or seven Ambien" after posting the breakup message, hoping not to wake up. 

While Spelling did not publicly comment, he revealed she was "traumatized" and "totally caught off guard," highlighting the devastation their children experienced. Following the Instagram post, McDermott sought rehab at Harmony Place, supported by Spelling, but their efforts to salvage the marriage ultimately led to its end.

While the TV personality moved on with Lily Calo, Spelling also found companionship with Ryan Cramer, an advertising chief executive. Despite McDermott's revelations about their past, his former partner remained focused on her family's well-being.

According to an insider, "Tori is a little hurt and upset by Dean's recent tell-all type of interview… She recognizes that Dean spoke about her in a relatively positive light, but she feels protective over her children."

They emphasized, "Especially Stella, who is old enough to know what's going on and reads and hears about these types of things."