Preparing for Holiday Co-Parenting: Minimizing Conflict and Maximizing Joy
November 29, 2025
The holiday season can be magical, but for co-parents, it can also bring stress, schedule changes, and emotional challenges. Whether this is your first holiday after a separation or you’ve been co-parenting for years, the key to a peaceful season is preparation, clear communication, and a child-focused mindset.
At Schneider Law Firm, PLLC, we help Texas families navigate custody, visitation, and holiday schedules with clarity and confidence. Here’s how you can approach this year’s festivities with more peace and less conflict.
1. Start Planning Early
Holiday disagreements often stem from last-minute planning. Review your existing Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) or your custom parenting plan well before Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Most Texas possession orders alternate holidays each year. For example, one parent may have Thanksgiving in even-numbered years and Christmas in odd-numbered years. Confirm:
- Which parent has which holidays this year
- Drop-off and pick-up times
- Exchange locations
- Travel plans, if any
If you’re unsure about your order or want help interpreting it, a family law attorney can clarify your rights.
2. Communicate Expectations Clearly
Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and stress. Discuss details such as:
- Gift-giving rules (to prevent duplicate or overly extravagant gifts)
- Bedtimes and screen time while traveling
- Decisions about attending extended family gatherings
- How will kids communicate with the other parent during the holiday
Using co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents, or AppClose can help keep communication organized and documented.
3. Stay Flexible—Life Happens
Even with a written plan, unexpected issues can arise: illness, delayed flights, weather, or changed work schedules. If possible, try to be flexible and show goodwill. A spirit of compromise can go a long way toward creating positive holiday memories for your children.
If flexibility becomes one-sided or your co-parent consistently violates the court order, an attorney can help you protect your parental rights.
4. Keep the Focus on Your Children
The holidays should be joyful and emotionally safe for your children. Help them feel secure by:
- Encouraging excitement about time with both parents
- Avoiding negative comments about the other parent
- Providing reassurance about new routines or traditions
- Allowing them to express feelings without guilt
Children adjust better when they know both parents support their holiday experience.
5. Create New Traditions
Co-parenting during the holidays often means sharing important days or celebrating on alternative dates. Instead of focusing on what has changed, create new traditions:
- A Christmas Eve movie night
- Baking cookies together
- A “second Christmas” celebration
- Volunteering as a family
- Decorating a mini tree
Kids care more about connection than the exact date on the calendar.
6. Document Plans in Writing
After discussing holiday plans, put everything in writing. This protects both parents and prevents misunderstandings later. Include:
- Dates and times
- Locations
- Travel plans
- Agreement about gifts or events
If you and your co-parent struggle to reach agreements, mediation or attorney involvement may be necessary.
7. When to Consult a Family Law Attorney
If your co-parent repeatedly violates the holiday schedule, refuses reasonable communication, or attempts to change custody without agreement, it may be time to speak with a family law attorney.
The Schneider Law Firm team can assist with:
- Modifying visitation or custody orders
- Enforcing existing court orders
- Addressing parental alienation
- Emergency orders (in rare situations)
Our goal is always to protect your children’s best interests and ensure your rights are respected.
Final Thoughts: The Holidays Don’t Have to Be Stressful
With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a child-centered approach, holiday co-parenting can be peaceful—and even joyful. Your children will remember the warmth, traditions, and togetherness far more than the logistics behind the scenes.
If you have questions about your Texas custody order or need help preparing for the holidays, the family law attorneys at Schneider Law Firm, PLLC, are here to support you.
Contact us today to protect your rights and make this holiday season a little brighter.