Whether you have a formal custody arrangement or you are trying to sort out how to divide the holidays after a recent split, you can be facing a challenging situation. Holidays carry a lot of emotional weight for many parents, so trying to figure out what is “fair” can be difficult when you’re also trying to instill traditions and positive memories in your child’s life. However, effective coparenting can lead to your child having a wonderful holiday season that showcases the willingness of you and the other parent to work together rather than conflict and strife.
Possible Holiday Arrangements
Parents around the world divide holidays in various ways. Consider if any of the following arrangements work for you.
- Alternating holidays: With this holiday schedule, parents alternate holidays. For example, one parent may have the children for Labor Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend, and Thanksgiving, while the other parent has the child for their birthday and Christmas. The next year, the holidays swap. This allows each parent to celebrate each holiday with the child every other year.
- Set holidays: With this arrangement, parents get the same holidays with their children each year. For example, the mother might get the children every Mother’s Day and the father every Father’s Day. This can provide consistency and stability since the parents and children will know where the child will be each holiday.
- Doubling holidays: Parents who are good communicators and more flexible may agree to celebrate the holiday with the child so that the child has two celebrations on different days or times.
- Dividing holidays: Parents may agree to divide holidays. For example, one parent may have Christmas Eve while the other parent has Christmas Day, or each parent has part of Hanukkah.
Tips for Establishing Holiday Schedules
You can potentially minimize disruption and stress by following these tips:
- Be clear: Create a schedule that provides specific details about each holiday, pick-ups, drop-offs, and other critical information.
- Consider what is best for everyone: Don’t just think about what you want. Consider what is in your child’s best interests, and also your ex’s. Caring about others can make a significant difference in how the arrangement works out. Be ready for plans to change as your child gets older and their needs change.
- Be flexible: Try to be flexible where you can. Some goodwill now can pay off later.
- Plan early: Don’t try to make last-minute plans. Instead, figure out what you want to do for the holiday and begin communicating early.
- Respect religious preferences: Consider your own and the other parent’s religious beliefs and how they affect the planning process.
Contact Stahly Miner LLC Today for Assistance with Your Child Custody Arrangements
Child custody that are written and formalized can help provide consistency and avoid confusion, including during emotionally-ridden times like holidays. The experienced family attorneys at Stahly Miner LLC understand how complex child custody arrangements can be and we can explain your options, advise you on the best course of action, and advocate for this outcome. Contact us at (855) 963-4968 for a confidential case review.