Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Year’s Eve. For children, these holidays can feel like milestones they have spent the entire year waiting for. There are costumes to choose, traditions to look forward to, favorite foods to share, presents to open, and memories to make with the people they love most.
For parents going through a divorce, the holiday season can bring a different kind of anticipation. What once felt familiar may suddenly become uncertain. The person you once celebrated these special occasions with will no longer be by your side, leaving you to wonder what it will look like now and whether you will still be able to spend those cherished moments with your children.
At Shaffer Family Law, we understand that this period after divorce can bring difficult decisions and emotions. Establishing a clear holiday parenting plan can help you and your former spouse know what to expect while giving your children the opportunity to spend meaningful time with each parent throughout the season.
Common Holiday Parenting Schedules in Arizona
There is no one-size-fits-all holiday parenting schedule. What works for one family may not work for another, so parents can consider different options and choose an arrangement that fits their circumstances and needs.
- Assign Holidays Based on Preferences: Parents can identify which celebrations matter most to each of them and work together to divide them.
- Alternate Holidays Each Year: A particular holiday or holidays can alternate from year to year. One parent may celebrate New Year’s and Thanksgiving with the children in even-numbered years, while the other does so in odd-numbered years.
- Split a Holiday: A holiday can be split between both parents. This might mean one parent celebrates with the children on December 24, while the other has them on December 25.
- Consider Family Traditions: Existing family traditions can also help shape the schedule. If one parent traditionally takes the children trick-or-treating on Halloween, they may agree to continue that tradition each year.
- Divide the Day: Parents can arrange for the children to spend part of the day with one parent and the remainder with the other. On Thanksgiving, for instance, one parent could have them for lunch while the other has them for dinner.
- Group the Holidays: Divide all the holidays into two groups and alternate which parent has each group each year. This approach allows both parents to celebrate different occasions with their children while creating a balanced arrangement.
Start Planning for the Holidays After Divorce with Shaffer Family Law
The holidays can be especially difficult for parents navigating a divorce, no matter where they are in the process. But your children didn’t choose this change, and they deserve to experience the joy of the season without feeling caught in the middle. Set aside personal differences and priorities, and focus on what matters most: creating positive memories that can be cherished for years to come.
Arizona courts encourage parents to work together when developing a parenting plan, but reaching an agreement isn’t always easy. If disagreements arise or other aspects of your divorce become complicated, our experienced Arizona attorneys at Shaffer Family Law can advocate for your interests and help you pursue a resolution. We’ll keep your family’s needs, your rights, and your parenting time at the forefront as you move forward.
Contact us at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online to move into the holiday season with greater clarity and a plan in place.
Sources:
https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/holiday-custody-schedules-can-be-easy