Holiday Time Sharing in Divorce: How to Create a Parenting Schedule That Works

During the divorce process, it is essential to carefully review your parenting plan, especially the holiday time sharing provisions. If you are unhappy with the time sharing schedule, it is important to address your concerns before finalizing the agreement. Accepting a plan that does not meet your needs can lead to ongoing conflict and emotional strain for both you and your children.

Every family has unique circumstances, which means there is no single holiday time sharing schedule that works for everyone. The most effective parenting plans are those designed around the children’s best interests while also supporting practical and fair arrangements for both parents. Below are several common holiday time sharing models that families often use.

Alternating Holiday Plan

Under this arrangement, parents alternate holidays each year. For example, one parent may have Thanksgiving in even-numbered years while the other parent has Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years. This option promotes balance over time and works well for families seeking a structured yet fair approach.

Split Holiday Plan

In a split holiday plan, children divide each holiday between both parents. For example, they may spend Christmas morning with one parent and Christmas evening with the other. This schedule requires strong communication, flexibility, and close geographic proximity between parents to ensure a smooth transition.

Fixed Holiday Plan

With a fixed holiday plan, each parent celebrates the same holidays with the children every year. For instance, one parent may always have Thanksgiving, while the other always has Christmas. This approach can provide consistency and predictability for children and parents alike.

Custom or Hybrid Holiday Plans

Parents are not limited to a single model. Many families choose to combine elements from multiple holiday time sharing plans or develop a fully customized schedule tailored to their needs. The goal is to create a parenting plan that supports stability, minimizes conflict, and keeps the children’s well-being at the center of every decision.

Modifying Holiday Time Sharing Agreements

If a parent needs to request a temporary change to the agreed holiday schedule, they should first attempt to resolve the matter through cooperative communication. However, if the other parent prefers to follow the original agreement, that decision should be respected. When a parenting plan is court ordered, it must be followed unless both parents mutually agree to a modification.

Need Help with a Holiday Parenting Plan?

If you have questions about creating a holiday time sharing schedule, adjusting your parenting plan, or resolving disputes related to child custody holidays, our family law team is here to help.

Call our office at 727-525-0200 to schedule a consultation.