The holiday season is when families gather together to celebrate. When parents are divorced or not married, each one will want to spend time with the children. The divorce agreement will need to clearly specify how holidays are handled in order to avoid disagreements.
Ideally, the parents should find a way that the child can spend time with each of their parents. They should try to divide the holidays in some fashion. In some cases, it could mean that the child spends a half day with each of the parents or alternates time more often during the holiday season. In other cases, sharing custody may mean alternating years between the parents’ homes.
If the parents can figure out a way to share custody that works best for the child, it could mean that they are able to create two sets of memories. It may even mean double the celebration for the child. Parents should not lose sight of the fact that working together can help the children and ensure that they have a memorable holiday season. Even though it may be difficult to not spend time with a child during the holidays, fairly dividing time is often in the best interests of the child.
At the same time, stress over custody matters during the holiday season can cloud things for the parent. Fighting with the other parent over time will diminish holiday enjoyment and make it an unhappy time. Try to work together at the outset, recognizing the importance of the holiday season to a child.
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