How to Create a Holiday Parenting Plan That Works for Everyone

The holidays can be wonderful, but when you are co-parenting, they can also be emotional and complicated. You may be excited to share the season with your children, yet worried about who gets Christmas morning, how to split time fairly, or what to do when both sides of the family have traditions on the same day. Many parents feel caught between wanting to make the holidays special and wanting to avoid conflict.

At Wagner & Bloch, your Cincinnati family law attorneys, we understand how challenging this season can be. A thoughtful holiday parenting plan can reduce stress, protect your time with your children, and help everyone feel more prepared.

Why a Holiday Parenting Plan Matters

When you are crafting your holiday plan you need to think about how much time your children will be in the car and whether they may end up eating a Thanksgiving meal twice in one day.  A clear holiday plan helps set expectations, prevents last-minute arguments, and gives your children a predictable routine. 

First Start Planning Early for the Holiday

Waiting until mid-December to figure out plans usually creates tension. When you start the conversation early, you have time to talk through travel, specific dates, and what matters most to each parent. Early planning gives you room to compromise rather than feeling rushed into decisions.

Focus on Your Children’s Experience

The holidays can easily become a tug-of-war between adults, but focusing on your children’s experience helps shift the conversation. Think about what traditions they love, how they feel about transitions between homes, and what will help them feel relaxed rather than rushed. Sometimes, that means being open to alternating holidays, adjusting plans as they grow older, or spreading celebrations across several days to reduce pressure.

Be Clear, But Stay Flexible

A strong plan should outline which parent has which holidays each year, how school breaks will be handled, and the expected pickup and drop-off times. Clear details can prevent confusion later. At the same time, life happens. A child can get sick, a grandparent may visit unexpectedly, or travel delays can throw off the schedule. Building in room for reasonable flexibility helps avoid unnecessary conflict.

Communicate Respectfully

Holiday stress can make communication harder. Keeping conversations focused on logistics and avoiding blame can make the process smoother. If communication tends to break down during this season, it may be helpful to use co-parenting apps or email so everything stays organized and clear.

Know When Legal Guidance May Be Needed

If every holiday season turns into the same arguments, or if your current plan no longer fits your family’s reality, it may be time to consider updating your parenting order. Ohio allows modifications when they would be in the children’s best interest. Reviewing your options with an attorney can help you understand whether a modification is appropriate.

Finalizing Your Plan

Once you reach an agreement, put it in writing. A written plan reduces misunderstandings and gives both parents something concrete to follow. If needed, your attorney can help formalize the agreement so it becomes part of your existing parenting order.

Need Support Creating a Holiday Parenting Plan or Changing Your Current Parenting Plan?

You do not need to navigate this alone. Wagner & Bloch’s Cincinnati family law attorneys help parents design holiday schedules that fit their family, follow Ohio law, and give children a predictable and peaceful experience. If your current plan is no longer working, or you want help creating a clear schedule for the upcoming season, we are here to guide you.

‍Contact Wagner & Bloch today to talk about your options and take steps toward a calmer, more cooperative holiday season for you and your children.