Every holiday season, parents everywhere face the same big question: how can we make Thanksgiving and winter break fun and smooth for our kids?

For co-parents, though, this time of year can come with a few extra challenges. With two households and different schedules, creating a holiday plan that works for everyone isn’t always easy.

So, how do you make sure the holidays are filled with great memories instead of stress? At the very least, starting with open communication and some early planning can make things much smoother. But if you’re looking for ways to really set your kids up for a happy, relaxed holiday season, there are a few more tips that can help.

At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we want to help you get through the holidays as peacefully as possible. If you’re going through a divorce or already divorced, we know that might not be so easy. That’s why we are here to help you make the best parenting plan possible for the holiday season. Call our office at 770-284-6153 or fill out our online contact form, and our Atlanta child custody attorneys will help.

To help you right now, however, we’ve compiled these tips for co-parenting during the holidays. From planning a fair schedule to handling last-minute changes, these tips will help you keep the focus on what matters most: enjoying the season with your family.

Tip #: Start Planning Early

The earlier you and your ex start planning, the better. Sit down (or set up a call) to discuss Thanksgiving and winter break schedules. Think about key details like:

• Who gets the kids for Thanksgiving Day?
• How will you split up winter break?
• Are there family events or trips that need extra planning?

If you can’t settle on an even split, try to get creative. Maybe one parent gets Thanksgiving, and the other has extra time during winter break. The goal here is to give your kids the chance to celebrate with both of you without last-minute stress.

Tip #2: Keep Things Flexible

The holidays don’t always go as planned — flights get delayed, people get sick, and plans can change. That’s why it’s smart to build a little flexibility into your schedule. Talk with your ex about what might happen if things don’t go exactly as expected. For example, if you need to swap days or adjust travel plans, having a backup plan in place can make these moments a lot less stressful.

Tip #3: Put the Focus on Your Kids

One of the best ways to make the holidays memorable is to focus on what your kids love. Maybe they want to watch holiday movies, bake cookies, or do a gift exchange with both parents. Talk with your kids about their favorite traditions and build them into your plans. When both you and your ex focus on creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere for your kids, the holidays will feel that much more special.

Tip 4: Set Clear Expectations for Gifts

Gifts can get tricky during the holidays, especially if both parents want to go all out. Try coordinating with your co-parent on gift-giving to avoid overlap (and extra expenses). Discuss any major gifts ahead of time — like electronics or expensive items — to avoid giving two of the same thing. You can even work together to get one big gift from both of you, which shows a united front and can be special for your child.

Tip #5: Be Kind to Yourself

Co-parenting during Thanksgiving and winter break isn’t easy, and it’s normal to feel a little extra stress. If things don’t go perfectly, remember that it’s okay. What matters most is showing up for your kids and keeping the holidays as peaceful as possible. When you’re kind to yourself, you’re in a better place to handle any surprises.

Tip #6: Use a Shared Calendar

A shared calendar app or family planner can be a holiday lifesaver. This way, both you and your ex can keep track of who’s picking up, who’s dropping off, and any special events or traditions. It also keeps everyone on the same page and can help avoid misunderstandings.

Tip #7: Focus on What Really Matters

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving and winter break are about spending time with family and creating memories. Even if every detail doesn’t go perfectly, focus on what truly matters. Being present with your kids and creating a warm, happy atmosphere is more important than whether the holiday schedule was exactly equal.

Contact Our Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys

The holiday season can be complicated and stressful for co-parents, but with a little planning, you can help create a memorable and fun time for your kids. If you have questions about your parenting schedule, modifying an existing child custody agreement, or divorce, our law firm is here to help.

Give Hobson & Hobson, P.C. a call at 770-284-6153 or fill out our online contact form. We’re ready to help you tackle whatever life throws your way this holiday season.