The holiday season can be one of the most joyful—and stressful—times of year for families navigating shared custody. When parents are separated or divorced, planning holiday time-sharing arrangements is essential to ensure that children feel secure, loved, and supported.
At The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire P.A., we understand how important it is to create holiday memories without unnecessary conflict. This guide offers practical time-sharing tips to help parents manage the holidays with cooperation and clarity—always keeping the best interests of the children in mind.
Review Your Parenting Plan or Time-Sharing Agreement
Before making any plans, carefully review your existing Florida parenting plan or custody order. Most legally binding agreements include specific provisions for major holidays, including:
- Alternating holidays each year
- Dividing holiday breaks (e.g., Christmas Eve with one parent, Christmas Day with the other)
- Specific pickup and drop-off times
- Travel or relocation clauses
If your plan lacks detail or doesn’t fit your current needs, it may be time to discuss a formal modification. Our firm can assist with this process to ensure changes are legally enforceable.
Start Planning Early
Initiate holiday scheduling discussions with your co-parent at least a few months in advance. Early planning allows both parents to:
- Book travel or accommodations
- Coordinate time off work
- Make fair and reasonable plans that work for everyone—especially the children
Proposing a tentative schedule and discussing key dates (such as school break start/end dates) ahead of time shows respect and keeps communication positive.
Prioritize Your Children’s Needs
During the holidays, emotions can run high. However, successful co-parenting means putting the child’s experience first. Ask yourself:
- What schedule minimizes disruptions to my child’s routine?
- Can we preserve important traditions for both households?
- How can I help my child enjoy the season without guilt, tension, or confusion?
Maintaining consistency and stability goes a long way in ensuring your child has a positive holiday experience.
Create a Detailed, Written Holiday Schedule
To avoid confusion or last-minute disputes, put your holiday time-sharing plans in writing. Include:
- Exact dates and times
- Exchange locations and responsibilities
- Any travel details (e.g., flights, hotels, who pays)
- Special events (holiday parties, religious services, family dinners)
Written agreements (even via email or parenting apps) help keep both parents accountable and can be referenced if conflicts arise.
Communicate About Gifts
One common source of tension during the holidays is gift-giving. To avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings:
- Coordinate gift purchases, especially for big-ticket items
- Decide if gifts will stay in one home or travel between homes
- Avoid trying to “outdo” the other parent—focus on meaningful experiences
- Consider co-purchasing significant gifts when appropriate
Children benefit most when they feel the love and support of both parents—without being caught in the middle.
Be Flexible When You Can
While the parenting plan is your legal guideline, it’s okay to show flexibility—especially if it benefits your child. Consider adjusting schedules to accommodate family travel or events. However, any changes should:
- Be mutually agreed upon
- Be confirmed in writing
- Not result in long-term imbalances or confusion
Remember, flexibility only works when both parents are acting in good faith.
Use Neutral Locations for Exchanges If Needed
If co-parenting tensions are high, consider using neutral or public exchange locations (such as a police station or public parking lot) to reduce conflict. Keeping exchanges brief, civil, and child-focused helps keep the holidays peaceful.
Prepare Your Child Emotionally
It’s important to discuss the holiday schedule with your child in an age-appropriate way. Avoid blaming or criticizing the other parent. Instead:
- Reassure them they’ll have fun with both parents
- Highlight new or continuing traditions
- Answer questions honestly without burdening them with adult conflicts
Your child’s emotional security should always come first.
Know When to Seek Legal Help
If disputes over holiday time-sharing persist or your co-parent refuses to follow the parenting plan, legal intervention may be necessary. Our firm can assist with:
- Mediation to resolve conflicts
- Filing for a parenting plan modification
- Enforcing existing court orders
Contact us today if you need guidance on protecting your rights and your child’s best interests.
Co-parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to be a battleground. With early communication, a clear schedule, and a focus on your child’s happiness, you can create joyful holiday memories—no matter how your family is structured.
At The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire P.A., we have over 30 years of experience helping families navigate complex family law matters in West Palm Beach and throughout Florida. If you need legal support to manage holiday time-sharing or other parenting plan issues, we are here to help.