The holidays are supposed to be a time for family, celebration and making memories. It can also be stressful, especially for divorced or separated parents.
A well-planned holiday parenting schedule can help prevent disagreements about how children should divide their time between two households and make the holiday season more predictable and enjoyable. Whether you are going through a divorce or already have a court-approved parenting plan, you can take practical steps to create a holiday schedule that works for everyone.
Put the children’s needs ahead of adult preferences
One of the easiest ways to avoid holiday disputes is to identify important dates well before the holiday season begins. Parents should discuss which holidays matter most to their family and decide how to handle each one.
Holidays can bring up strong emotions. Parents may feel disappointed about missing a favorite tradition or about spending a special occasion away from their children. Those feelings are understandable, but decisions should focus on what is best for the children.
Consider the children’s ages, school obligations and sleep schedules. Younger children may require shorter separations from each parent, while older children may have social activities or preferences that deserve consideration.
Travel time is another important factor. If the children need to spend several hours in a car on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, it may create unnecessary stress. When possible, try to ensure children have enough time to enjoy their celebrations rather than rushing between households.
Holiday parenting options
There is no single holiday parenting schedule that works for every family, but some options include:
- Alternating holidays each year
- Dividing a holiday break
- Assigning certain holidays to each parent every year
For parents who communicate well and are comfortable sharing special occasions, celebrating together is another option.
A successful holiday parenting schedule does more than divide dates on a calendar. It helps children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and reduces the uncertainty that can make the holidays difficult after a divorce or separation. A legal professional can help you develop an arrangement that fits your family’s circumstances.