Developing a Workable Holiday Visitation / Parenting Time Schedule

Child custody matters can become particularly challenging during the holidays, as families navigate the desire to create or maintain meaningful traditions while respecting custody agreements. Developing a workable holiday parenting time schedule that prioritizes the well-being of children and respects the rights of both parents can be a tricky task, especially if parents are also engaged in disputes over other issues. However, there are several options that can be used or adjusted based on the specific circumstances. 

Start planning the holiday schedule well in advance to allow time for discussion and negotiation. Clear and open communication between both parents is crucial. Think about using a shared calendar or scheduling tool to document agreed-upon holiday arrangements and avoid misunderstandings. Other considerations that you might want to make part of your discussions include the following:

• Annual division of holidays — One common approach is to alternate major holidays each year. For example, if one parent has the children for Thanksgiving this year, the other parent would have them for Thanksgiving next year. This ensures both parents have the opportunity to celebrate each important holiday with their children over a two-year period.
• Holidays and events oriented toward one parent — Days with significance to one parent, such as that parent’s birthday or Mother’s or Father’s Day should be relatively easy to allocate. There might also be special occasions that one side of the family celebrates. You should think about these events as well when making a visitation / parenting time schedule. 
• Splitting of time within a holiday period — On certain holidays, children might be able to spend time in both homes, as long as their parents live near each other. For example, a son or daughter might spend Christmas Eve in one residence and Christmas Day in the other residence. Likewise, many people have the day after Thanksgiving off, so there could be celebrations with each parent on successive days. Even single-day holidays could be split with the child spending part of the day with each parent.

Be open to compromise and find creative solutions that accommodate both parents’ schedules and the children’s best interests. If holiday celebrations involve travel, discuss arrangements well in advance to accommodate transportation and logistics. 

Above all, prioritize the children’s needs and well-being when developing a holiday schedule. Consider their ages, preferences, and emotional sensitivities. Keep the focus on creating positive holiday experiences that allow children to feel secure and loved by both parents.

The Henry Law Firm, P.A. takes the time to learn about the needs of clients and their children when developing parenting time solutions that provide a detailed framework for holidays, school vacations and other scheduling concerns. Please call 913-381-5020 or contact us online to speak with a knowledgeable Kansas family lawyer. Our office is in Overland Park.