Holiday Co-Parenting: Tips for Navigating Stressful Times

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, family, and celebration. However, for divorced or separated parents, the season can also bring added stress—especially when co-parenting schedules, emotions, and expectations collide. With thoughtful planning and a child-focused mindset, holiday co-parenting can be smoother and more positive for everyone involved.

Below are practical tips to help Utah parents navigate holiday co-parenting with less conflict and more peace of mind.

Put Your Child First—Always

During the holidays, children often feel heightened emotions. They may worry about where they will spend special days, whether traditions will change, or how their parents will interact. Keeping your child’s emotional well-being as the top priority helps guide every decision.

Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your child. Instead, reassure them that it’s okay to enjoy time with both parents. A calm, supportive approach helps children feel secure, even when schedules are different from past years.

Plan Holiday Schedules Early

One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is last-minute scheduling. Review your custody agreement well in advance to understand how holidays are allocated. If adjustments are needed, communicate early and clearly.

Putting holiday plans in writing—whether through email, a co-parenting app, or a shared calendar—reduces misunderstandings. Clear expectations about pickup times, locations, and overnight arrangements can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Be Flexible When Possible

While consistency is important, flexibility can go a long way during the holidays. Special family events, travel plans, or religious celebrations may require some give-and-take. When safe and reasonable, being flexible shows cooperation and helps foster a healthier co-parenting relationship.

Flexibility also models maturity and problem-solving for your child—an invaluable lesson during emotionally charged times.

Maintain Traditions (or Create New Ones)

Children often associate holidays with traditions, whether it’s decorating cookies, attending church services, or opening gifts at a certain time. If possible, maintain familiar traditions in each household. When that’s not feasible, create new traditions your child can look forward to.

What matters most is not replicating the past, but creating meaningful, positive experiences in the present.

Keep Communication Respectful and Business-Like

Emotions can run high during the holidays, especially if there are unresolved tensions between co-parents. Keep communication focused on logistics and your child’s needs. Treat co-parenting conversations like a professional exchange—clear, respectful, and solution-oriented.

If communication regularly breaks down, mediation or legal guidance may help establish clearer boundaries and expectations.

Know When Legal Guidance Is Helpful

If holiday disputes become frequent or unmanageable, it may be time to seek legal advice. An experienced Utah family law attorney can help clarify your rights, modify custody agreements if necessary, and protect your child’s best interests.

At Larsen Legal, we understand how challenging co-parenting—especially during the holidays—can be. Our goal is to help families find practical, compassionate solutions that reduce conflict and support long-term stability.

Final Thoughts

Holiday co-parenting doesn’t have to be a source of dread. With early planning, respectful communication, and a child-centered approach, it’s possible to navigate stressful times with greater confidence and calm. If you need help addressing holiday custody concerns or broader co-parenting issues, professional legal support can make a meaningful difference.