When the holidays roll around, emotions run high. You want the sparkle of Christmas lights, the smell of cookies in the oven, and the laughter of your kids filling the house. But if you’re co‑parenting, you also want peace — not another argument about who gets Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That’s where a clear, fair schedule swap comes in.
Why bother with a holiday plan?
Because without one, you’re left scrambling. Holidays override regular parenting time, and if you don’t set rules, you risk last‑minute fights that sour the season. A written plan isn’t about rigidity; it’s about giving everyone — especially your kids — a sense of security.
Alternating the big days
One of the simplest, most effective strategies is alternating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For example, you might have Christmas Eve in even years and Christmas Day in odd years. It’s predictable, it’s fair, and it saves you from renegotiating every December.
Another option? Split the day. One parent gets the morning, the other gets the evening. This works well if you live close by and travel isn’t a burden. But if long drives are involved, alternating whole days is usually kinder to the kids.
Practical tips to make it work
Spell out exchange times and locations. Don’t leave it vague.
Think about travel fatigue. Late‑night drives after a big meal aren’t fun for anyone.
Plan for traditions, including religious and cultural observances. Even small details can prevent misunderstandings.
Put it in writing. Add the holiday plan to your parenting agreement or have it entered as a court order so it’s enforceable if needed.
To make any schedule truly successful, co-parents must prioritize preparation and clarity. The best time to finalize the holiday schedule is during the early fall, ideally September or October, to allow for coordination with extended family and travel booking.
Crucially, the holiday schedule must explicitly state that it takes absolute precedence over the regular, weekly parenting schedule. This prevents ambiguity when a holiday falls on a day that would normally belong to the other parent. Furthermore, when drafting the plan, always assign transportation responsibility for each exchange. Specifying “Parent A will pick up the child at 6:00 PM” removes one of the most common friction points in co-parenting.
Keeping kids at the center
Your children will notice if the holiday feels tense. Present the plan as a team effort, even if you had to compromise. And when they’re with the other parent, bridge the gap with video calls, shared traditions, or a special ritual that keeps them connected to you.
A few guiding principles
- Alternate major days every other year.
- Set exact exchange times.
- The holiday schedule takes precedence over the regular schedule.
- Plan around school breaks and travel.
- Agree on gifts and celebrations.
- Put everything in writing.
Tools that help
Scheduling apps, shared calendars, or even simple templates can make the plan easier to visualize. If you prefer professional help, mediators and attorneys can draft clear language that fits your local rules.
Sample Alternating Holiday Schedule Template
This template uses a standard approach where the Winter Break is divided into two distinct segments, ensuring each parent gets a meaningful, uninterrupted block of time that includes either Christmas or New Year’s, alternating annually.
- Precedence and Definitions
- Precedence: This Holiday Schedule shall override all regular weekly or bi-weekly parenting time set forth in the regular parenting plan.
- Winter Break Definition: The Winter Break begins at 6:00 PM on the day the children’s school is dismissed for the holiday and ends at 6:00 PM on the day before school resumes.
- Mid-Break Exchange Time: The exchange time dividing the break into two segments is 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th.
- Alternating Winter Break Schedule
| Year Type | Segment 1 (Christmas Block) | Segment 2 (New Year’s Block) |
| Even Years (e.g., 2024, 2026) | Parent A has time from the start of Winter Break until 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th. | Parent B has time from 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th until the end of Winter Break. |
| Odd Years (e.g., 2025, 2027) | Parent B has time from the start of Winter Break until 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th. | Parent A has time from 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th until the end of Winter Break. |
III. Exchange Logistics
- Mid-Break Exchange: The parent beginning Segment 2 (New Year’s Block) is responsible for picking up the children at the exchanging parent’s residence at 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 25th.
- End-of-Break Exchange: The parent completing Segment 2 is responsible for dropping off the children at the exchange location specified in the regular parenting plan at 6:00 PM the day before school resumes.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s predictability, fairness, and a calmer holiday season for your child. Start early, keep the plan simple, and remember: the holidays are about joy, not logistics.
Share your thoughts below — what’s worked for your family? And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more co‑parenting tips.
Looking for ways to keep your kids busy and happy this winter? Check these top 10 activities they will love.
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