Holiday Time: Tips for Avoiding Conflict

I know, summer just ended, it’s not even pumpkin spice season yet and here I am talking about the holidays. But trust me, if you co-parent, now is exactly the right time to start thinking about holiday parenting time.

Holiday parenting time can be one of the biggest sources of conflict between separated parents but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning (and a dash of goodwill), you can keep the peace and make sure your child enjoys the season without being caught in the middle.

Tip #1: Get Specific (Yes, Really Specific)
“Share the holidays equally” sounds nice, but what does that mean? One parent gets Christmas Eve, the other gets Christmas Day? What about New Year’s? Spell it out in your agreement with dates, times, and even pickup/drop-off locations. It might feel overly detailed now, but it’ll save you from last-minute chaos later.

Tip #2: Think Ahead
Grab a calendar and look at the upcoming holidays before they sneak up on you. Talk to extended family, plan trips, and check school schedules, then have a civil conversation with your co-parent. The earlier you sort it out, the better for everyone.

Tip #3: Keep Your Child at the Centre
The holiday season is about your child making memories, not mediating adult disagreements. Be flexible where you can, and remember: they care more about quality time than clockwatching.

At the end of the day, a little foresight and a lot of clarity can help everyone enjoy the holidays, even the lawyers.