Divorce: Plan to Resolve Holiday Issues Early~ 3 min read

Holiday parenting schedules work best when they are planned early. Waiting until the last minute can create stress for you, your children, and your attorney. Waiting too long may make it impossible to address the holidays, leaving you and possibly your children disappointed. Addressing these issues ahead of time allows you to focus on what really matters, spending meaningful time with your family.

Plan Ahead for a Peaceful Holiday Season

The sooner you address holiday possession questions, the easier it is for everyone involved. When parents wait until the last minute to discuss plans, it often leads to frustration and confusion. The closer you get to the holidays, the harder it becomes to make thoughtful decisions, especially when both parents have busy schedules and long-standing family traditions.

Planning early gives you time to think about what matters most to your family. It allows you and your co-parent to review school schedules, travel plans, and family events before emotions rise or calendars fill up. The earlier you plan, the better your chances of creating a schedule that respects everyone’s traditions and reduces conflict.

Why Early Planning Matters

Addressing holiday schedules early benefits everyone. When you plan ahead, you can make decisions calmly instead of reacting to deadlines. Early planning gives both parents time to coordinate with extended family and create meaningful celebrations that your children can look forward to each year.

From a practical standpoint, attorneys manage many cases near the holidays, and courts often have limited availability. By finalizing your schedule early, you avoid being caught in a rush when others are trying to do the same thing. This preparation can save time, money, and stress as the holidays approach.

Helping Children Feel Secure

Children often feel anxious when they do not know where they will spend the holidays. Younger kids may worry about whether they will see both parents, while older children may want to plan gatherings with friends or relatives. Communicating early gives your children comfort and stability.

When parents take the time to plan ahead, children can focus on the excitement of the holidays rather than uncertainty about where they will be. This helps make the season more peaceful and enjoyable for the entire family.

Moving Toward a More Joyful Holiday

When you address possession questions early, you create more room for connection and less room for conflict. Early planning helps your family protect traditions, reduce stress, and focus on celebrating the moments that matter most.

Contact Family Ally

At Family Ally, we understand how important family traditions are during the holidays. Our team can help you review your parenting plan and discuss options that support your family’s needs. Contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and make this holiday season more peaceful for everyone.

Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.

FAQs

1. When should I start discussing holiday schedules with my co-parent?
It is best to begin discussions several months before the holidays. Early communication prevents stress and allows both parents time to plan.

2. What if my co-parent refuses to cooperate?
You can work through your attorney to reach an agreement or revisit your parenting plan to determine what the current order provides for holiday time.

3. Can our existing parenting plan be adjusted for holidays?
Yes. Many parenting plans include special provisions for holidays that can be reviewed and updated as needed.

4. Why is early planning better than waiting?
Planning early gives you more control, keeps stress levels down, and helps your children feel secure about where they will be during the holidays.