Holiday Scheduling Tips For Thanksgiving and Beyond
As Thanksgiving and other holidays approach, many separated or divorced parents begin feeling the familiar stress of managing holiday schedules and parenting time. Without a holiday parenting schedule, arguments arise making the season less merry and bright into the New Year. Below are some tips to help manager the Holiday Season.
Review Your Court Order Early
If you have a court-ordered parenting schedule, start by reviewing the holiday schedule now. If a holiday schedule is not in place, this is the time to consider requesting implementation of a holiday schedule.
Most Minnesota parenting time orders include specific provisions for holidays such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s, and more. Holiday schedules generally alternate holidays each year with one parent exercising a specific holiday on even years or odd years. Other families may exercise split holidays where one parent receives New Years’ Eve while the other receives New Years’ Day. Sometimes parents will alternate New Years Eve and Day as well.
Knowing which holidays are scheduled during your parenting time is important in preventing last-minute changes. Understanding your schedule in advance prevents disagreements, provides clarity for travel plans, and ensures participation with family events.
Communicate Early and Stay Flexible if Traveling Through Minnesota Weather is Dangerous
Even with a clear holiday schedule, life happens. Minnesota’s end of the year holiday season occurs during months when blizzards, hail, snowstorms, or other hazardous weather is possible. Travel during this time can be detrimental where icy road conditions exist late at night. Also, flights can be delayed, family members fall ill, or other plans change. Parents should remain flexible around the holiday schedule to accommodate dangerous weather by offering alternative dates if travel is unreasonably impossible to complete safely with the children in tow.
If facilitating parenting time is unreasonable due to dangerous weather or other emergency circumstances, considering compensation for missed holiday time by offering alternatives may be helpful in reducing conflict. Early communication also provides a record demonstrating attempts to problem solve around the challenge faced. Also consider how your child will stay in touch with the other parent during the holiday. Flexibility, when reasonable, can make the season more enjoyable for everyone.
Keep Your Child’s Experience at the Center
It’s natural for parents to feel disappointed about missing certain holidays with their child. However, sharing holidays reinforces the bond a child has with both parents and their families. If you won’t be with your child on Thanksgiving Day or any other holiday, consider celebrating another day that week to maintain traditions each year.
Need help reviewing or modifying your holiday parenting schedule?
At the Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we help parents across Minnesota plan for holidays and events. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation before the holiday season begins.
