Alternate major holidays each year
One common alternating holidays custody schedule gives one parent Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years and Christmas in even-numbered years, then switches the next year.
Create a Holiday Visitation Schedule That Works for Both Homes
Get clear, practical help for building a holiday visitation schedule for divorced parents, including ways to split major holidays, alternate years, and reduce last-minute conflict.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance for your holiday schedule
Tell us where your current plan stands, and we’ll help you think through options for a shared custody holiday schedule, alternating holidays custody schedule, and special dates like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
01
Why holiday schedules often break down
A regular parenting plan does not always answer holiday questions clearly. Parents may disagree about pickup times, school breaks, travel, family gatherings, or what happens when a holiday overlaps with a weekend schedule. A strong holiday visitation agreement for parents should define which holidays matter most, when each holiday begins and ends, how alternating years work, and how changes will be handled. Clear details can make the holiday parenting time schedule easier to follow and less stressful for everyone.
02
Common ways parents split holidays after divorce
Split the holiday or school break
Some families divide time within the same holiday, such as Christmas Eve with one parent and Christmas Day with the other, or split winter break into two parts.
Prioritize traditions and travel realities
A holiday schedule for blended families may work better when it accounts for step-siblings, extended family traditions, religious observances, and long-distance transportation.
03
What to include in a co-parenting holiday schedule template
Specific holidays and exact times
List each holiday by name and define start and end times clearly so there is less room for confusion or disagreement.
Rules for overrides and conflicts
State whether the holiday schedule overrides the regular weekly schedule, and explain what happens when holidays overlap with birthdays, vacations, or school events.
Exchange, travel, and communication details
Include pickup locations, transportation responsibilities, notice requirements, and how schedule changes should be requested and confirmed.
04
Examples parents often look for
Thanksgiving visitation schedule for co-parents
A common option is alternating Thanksgiving break each year, or dividing the long weekend so each parent has meaningful family time.
Christmas custody schedule for divorced parents
Many parents alternate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, alternate the full holiday each year, or divide winter break into first half and second half.
Shared custody holiday schedule for blended families
Families with multiple households often need a plan that coordinates sibling time, stepfamily celebrations, and recurring traditions across homes.
05
Frequently asked questions
How do you split holidays after divorce in a fair way?
Many parents use an alternating holiday schedule, divide the holiday itself, or split the surrounding school break. The fairest option is usually the one that is clear, realistic, and consistent with the child’s needs, travel demands, and family traditions.
What should a holiday visitation agreement for parents include?
It should name each holiday covered, define exact start and end times, explain whether holiday time overrides the regular schedule, and include exchange, travel, and communication rules. The more specific the plan, the easier it is to follow.
Can a holiday custody schedule be different from the regular parenting schedule?
Yes. In many parenting plans, the holiday schedule takes priority over the normal weekly routine. This helps avoid confusion when a holiday falls on a parent’s usual day or overlaps with school breaks.
What is a good Christmas custody schedule for divorced parents?
Common options include alternating Christmas each year, splitting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, or dividing winter break into two parts. The best choice depends on travel, traditions, and how much transition your child can handle comfortably.
How can blended families make a holiday schedule easier to manage?
A holiday schedule for blended families works best when it accounts for all household members, recurring traditions, and sibling relationships. Clear planning around transportation, celebration timing, and extended family events can reduce conflict and disappointment.
Personalized assessment
Build a clearer holiday parenting time schedule
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance on creating a holiday custody schedule that is easier to understand, easier to follow, and better suited to your family’s traditions and logistics.