Holiday Parent-time

The holiday season means spending time with loved ones. The emotions attached to family traditions can make reaching a peaceful agreement between separated parents on these special occasions difficult. Here are some options to consider when determining how to share your children during the holidays.

State the Minimum Standard

When parents are unable to reach an agreement on parent time, the court will order the Utah standard parent time schedule. This standard alternates the parent granted the holiday each year. For example, in years ending in an odd number (such as 2011) the noncustodial parent is granted parent time for the first half of the child’s Christmas vacation from school up through 1pm on Christmas day. This means the noncustodial parent will have the child for Christmas eve and Christmas morning until 1pm every other year. To read Utah’s full standard parent time schedule CLICK HERE.

A small variation on the standard schedule

For some families the standard holiday arrangement discussed above works. For other families an alternative that gives both parents time on Christmas eve as well as Christmas day may be preferred. Perhaps the child(ren) spend Christmas eve until 9pm with Dad and spend Christmas morning with Mom until 3pm, each year the family can alternate this if they wish giving Dad Christmas morning and Mom Christmas eve until 9pm.

A More Unique Alternative

For some parents who get along well, dad may come over to mom’s house and spend time with the child(ren) on Christmas eve, and leave once the child(ren) have gone to bed. This could also be applied to Christmas morning, if both parents agree. This should only be a consideration when both parents get along well with one another.  

The above are options to get you thinking about what might work for your family. Many variations exist, and only you and the other parent can truly determine what will work best for you. Take the time to reach an agreement that works for your family.

Considerations When Making a Holiday Parent-Time Schedule

The advantage of creating your own parent-time plan for the holidays is the ability to take into account the many important traditions of both parents and their families. It is important for grandparents and child(ren) to see one another during the holidays, and often family parties or dinners take place when, under the standard schedule, the child(ren) would be with the other parent. When creating a parent-time schedule, parties can allow for dad to have the child(ren) on the evening of grandma’s family dinner or to be returned to mom’s house on Christmas day in time to attend her family party.

No matter which option or variation you and the co-parent select, the holidays should be a happy time for your child(ren). As with all parenting issues, remember no matter the emotion your separation from your ex-spouse or your children may conjure up, you need to put the feelings of your child(ren) first.  By focusing on your child(ren), you can create happy memories and a happy holiday for all of you.