Holiday scheduling is often the most emotionally charged part of co-parenting. Christmas, birthdays, school breaks, and family gatherings all carry expectations — and when parents are separated, those expectations can collide.
A clear, agreed holiday schedule reduces stress for everyone. Here's how to create one.
Popular Holiday Schedule Models
Alternating years. Parent A gets Christmas in even-numbered years, Parent B gets odd-numbered years. Simple and predictable. The same pattern applies to spring break, summer holidays, and other school breaks.
Splitting the holiday. Christmas Eve with one parent, Christmas Day with the other. Can work well if parents live close to each other, but requires more coordination.
First half / second half. School breaks are split into two equal halves. Parent A gets the first half, Parent B the second. Alternates each year. Common for summer holidays.
Birthdays and Special Days
Most parenting plans include specific arrangements for birthdays:
- Child's birthday: Alternating years, or a few hours with each parent
- Mother's/Father's Day: Always with the relevant parent
- Religious holidays: Agreed separately based on family traditions
- Family events: Advance notice required if taking the child to extended family gatherings
Putting It Into Practice
A shared colour-coded calendar makes holiday schedules visible and reduces disputes. Larkling's free calendar lets both parents see the full year at a glance — including holidays, school breaks, and special occasions. No more "I thought I had Christmas this year" confusion.
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