Navigating Christmas Holiday Schedules in Family Law

By:

Amanda Willing

On

26/10/2025

Reading time:

5 min

Summary:

The holidays can be stressful for separated parents, especially when disagreements arise over parenting time. Court intervention may become necessary when one parent refuses to follow an existing order, there’s no clear agreement in place, or a child’s safety is at risk. In these cases, the court can issue or enforce orders to protect the child’s best interests and ensure a fair, structured holiday schedule. While court should be a last resort, early legal advice and clear communication can help prevent conflict and keep the season peaceful for everyone.

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The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for separated or divorced parents, it can also be one of the most stressful. Questions about who the children will spend Christmas with, when transitions occur, and how to balance extended family plans can lead to tension — unless clear arrangements are in place.

At Willing Law, we regularly help parents create practical and child-focused holiday schedules that work for their unique family circumstances.

Common Approaches to Christmas Schedules

There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. However, courts and lawyers often use a few common patterns:

  • Alternating Years: One parent has the children for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in even-numbered years, and the other parent has them in odd-numbered years. This approach gives both parents the opportunity to celebrate on the actual holiday.

  • Split Holidays Parents divide the holiday break — for example, one parent has December 23–26, and the other has December 26–30. This can work well if travel or extended family visits are part of each household’s traditions.

  • Fixed Traditions Some families maintain a consistent pattern every year — for instance, one parent always celebrates Christmas Eve while the other celebrates Christmas Day. Consistency can help children feel grounded and secure.

When There’s No Agreement

If parents can’t agree on a holiday schedule, a temporary order or court-directed schedule may be required. Judges prioritize the best interests of the children, which include maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents and ensuring that transitions are reasonable and low-stress.

Where possible, courts prefer parents to cooperate and plan early — last-minute disputes can be difficult to resolve as the holidays approach, and court schedules are limited in December.

Tips for Reducing Conflict

  • Plan Early: Confirm arrangements before December to avoid uncertainty.

  • Be Flexible: Travel plans, illness, or weather can require adjustments.

  • Focus on the Children: The holidays are about creating positive memories for them, not winning time.

  • Put It in Writing: Even if informal, a written schedule helps avoid misunderstandings.

  • Consider a Parenting Coordinator or Mediator: Neutral professionals can help resolve disputes quickly and collaboratively.

How Willing Law Can Help

At Willing Law, we assist parents with:

  • Drafting or reviewing parenting schedules

  • Negotiating temporary holiday arrangements

  • Seeking or enforcing court orders where necessary

  • Providing guidance on communication and dispute resolution

Our goal is always to help you reduce conflict and enjoy a peaceful, meaningful holiday season with your children

The holidays can look different after separation, but with cooperation and planning, they can still be joyful. What matters most is ensuring your children feel loved, supported, and included in the traditions that make the season special.

If you need help finalizing your Christmas or holiday parenting schedule, contact Willing Law today. Our family law team can help you reach an agreement that puts your children first — and lets you focus on making new holiday memories.

Call us today to schedule a consultation 519 980 3476.