Preparing Your Family for a Smooth Holiday Season

Can't believe it's already December, a perfect time to pause before the end-of-year festivities get hectic. Even the most organized families find their calendars getting busier and overwhelming.

Many families look forward to holiday traditions, school breaks, and time spent together. But for co-parents navigating shared custody or timesharing schedules, this season can also bring added stress, uncertainty, and last-minute conflicts. That’s why this is the perfect moment for a quick timesharing check-in.

1. Review Your Parenting Plan Before Travel and School Breaks

Holiday schedules often differ from the regular routine. Take a few minutes to re-read your Parenting Plan. Confirm pick-up times, exchange locations, and which parent has which holidays this year. A little clarity now goes a long way toward avoiding conflict later.

2. Communicate Early — It Prevents Holiday-Week Surprises

If you can foresee a schedule conflict, travel delay, or change in plans, let the other parent know as early as possible. Courts expect good-faith communication between co-parents, especially during high-stress weeks. Early communication not only shows responsibility, but respect—and keeps the focus where it belongs: the children.

3. Be Mindful of Children’s Needs and Routines

The holidays are exciting, but they can also be overstimulating. Consistent sleep, clear transitions, and keeping kids informed of the plan help reduce stress for everyone. When children feel calm and supported, the entire holiday goes more smoothly for both homes.

4. Document Any Issues That Arise

If a parent refuses to follow the holiday timesharing schedule, repeatedly shows up late, or makes unilateral changes, it’s important to document those incidents. Should issues escalate in the new year, accurate records will help your attorney and courts address the situation for future timesharing.

5. Remember: Holidays Are About Family, Not Conflict

Even when co-parenting is challenging, the holidays can be an opportunity to practice kindness, flexibility, and cooperation. Children may not remember every gift, but they always remember how their parents made them feel. A small act of kindness—especially during a season of gratitude and giving—can create a positive atmosphere for the coming months and enhance the holiday spirit.

Need Help Before the Holidays?

If you have questions about your holiday timesharing schedule, need help enforcing an existing Parenting Plan, or believe a modification may be necessary, The Law Office of Kristen Bishop Ames is here to support you. Call our office to schedule a consultation and ensure your family enters the holiday season with clarity and peace of mind.

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