The holidays are meant to be a joyful time for families—but for separated or divorced parents, they can also bring challenges. Deciding where children spend each holiday, balancing traditions, and managing travel can become complicated without a clear plan in place.
That’s where your child custody agreement comes in. A well-structured custody arrangement, including a detailed holiday schedule, can help reduce conflict and ensure your children enjoy meaningful time with both parents.
Here’s how holiday schedules impact custody agreements—and what parents should keep in mind to make the season smoother for everyone involved.
Why Holiday Schedules Matter
A typical custody agreement outlines where children live and how time is shared between parents throughout the year. However, holidays are special occasions that often call for exceptions to the normal schedule.
For example, a parent who doesn’t have weekend custody may still want time during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or spring break. Without a clear plan, misunderstandings can quickly lead to arguments—or even legal disputes.
A holiday schedule helps avoid confusion by specifying who has the children on which holidays and when those transitions take place. It also provides structure and fairness, so both parents can enjoy special days with their children.
Common Approaches to Dividing Holidays
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a holiday custody schedule. Courts encourage parents to design an arrangement that works best for their family, but common options include:
- Alternating years: One parent has the children for a particular holiday in even-numbered years, while the other parent has them in odd-numbered years.
- Splitting the day: Parents divide the holiday, with one parent having the morning and the other the evening.
- Fixed holidays: Some parents choose to assign specific holidays permanently—for example, one parent always has Thanksgiving while the other always has Christmas.
- Extended breaks: For longer holidays like winter or summer break, time may be divided into weeks rather than days.
The key is consistency. Once a plan is in place, sticking to it helps everyone know what to expect year after year.
Factors Courts Consider
If parents can’t agree on a holiday schedule, the court will decide based on the best interests of the child. Judges typically consider factors such as:
- The child’s age and developmental needs
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- Family traditions and cultural or religious practices
- Travel time and distance between parents’ homes
- The importance of maintaining stability for the child
Courts aim to create a balanced arrangement that supports the child’s emotional well-being and gives both parents meaningful time during important events.
Modifying Holiday Schedules
Life changes—parents move, children grow older, and traditions evolve. If your current custody arrangement no longer fits your family’s needs, you can request a modification through the court.
For example, a parent who relocates to another state may need to adjust the schedule to allow for longer visits during school breaks instead of shorter ones during holidays. Working with a family law attorney can help ensure these modifications are handled legally and in your child’s best interest.
Work with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
If you’re establishing or modifying a custody agreement, having the right legal guidance makes all the difference. At Billian Law, we help parents create fair, practical custody schedules that prioritize the well-being of their children—especially during the holidays.
Our team can help you navigate Maryland’s family court system, draft detailed custody terms, and resolve disputes with compassion and clarity. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Billian Law is here to support you every step of the way.
Call (410) 465-3323 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.