The holidays are supposed to be joyful. But when you’re sharing custody of your children, planning for the season can get complicated fast.
Maybe you’re trying to schedule Thanksgiving dinner but don’t know if your ex is willing to trade weekends. Maybe you both want Christmas morning and no one wants to be the one who misses out. Or maybe this is your first year navigating shared parenting after a recent divorce, and you’re not sure how to make it feel normal for the kids.
At Horak Law, we work with families across The Woodlands, Spring, Houston, Harris County and Montgomery County to create parenting schedules that work, especially when the holidays bring added pressure. Here are a few real-world tips to help reduce stress, minimize conflict, and make space for what matters most.
Prioritize Clear Communication with Your Co-Parent
The holidays can be emotional, but clear communication helps. Plan early, write down agreements, and stay focused on your children’s needs. Keeping things child-centered, even when tensions rise, can make the season smoother for everyone.
Build a Holiday Parenting Schedule That Actually Works
One of the most common sources of stress is not having a clear plan. You should review your current custody order for the correct holiday schedules. If you want to deviate from your current custody order or you’ve never gone through this before, here are a few ways families in North Houston make it work:
Alternate Major Holidays Each Year: For example, one parent has Thanksgiving this year, and the other has it next year. Same with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Split the Day: If you live close enough, consider dividing the day in half. Maybe your kids spend Christmas morning with you and dinner with the other parent.
Rotate by Holiday Type: Some parents prefer a consistent system—one takes winter holidays, the other handles spring break—then switch the following year.
If one parent lives outside the Houston area, travel time, traffic, and airport logistics need to be part of the equation. A family law attorney in The Woodlands can help you revise or clarify your order if needed.
Focus on Creating New Traditions, Not Competing Ones
The holidays might not look the same as they used to, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be meaningful.
Let Go of the “Perfect” Holiday: Trying to recreate old traditions can add pressure. Instead, start new ones that reflect your new family setup.
Let Kids Have a Voice: Ask them what feels important to them. Maybe it’s decorating cookies, watching a favorite movie, or attending a local holiday event.
Celebrate When You Can: If you don’t have your kids on Christmas Day, celebrate on the 23rd or 26th. Kids care more about how the day feels than what the calendar says.
Shared parenting is not about keeping score—it’s about helping your child feel loved and stable, no matter where they are.
When Legal Guidance Is the Right Move
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just don’t go smoothly. Maybe your current plan isn’t specific enough. Maybe your co-parent refuses to follow it. Or maybe your situation has changed, like one parent moving, remarrying, or taking on new job responsibilities. That’s when it makes sense to talk to a lawyer.
- We Can Help You Modify an Order: If your schedule no longer works, we can file for a modification that reflects what your family actually needs.
- We Can Step in When Rules Aren’t Being Followed: If your parenting plan is being ignored, we can help you enforce it through the proper legal channels.
- We Offer Support, Not Just Paperwork: At Horak Law, we help you understand what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s fair.
The Houston Area Offers Holiday Options That Make It Easier to Share Time
From tree lightings in The Woodlands to winter markets in Downtown Houston, there are plenty of ways to celebrate that don’t require expensive trips or rigid timelines. You might not have every holiday with your child, but you can still make the time you do have special.
If you’re struggling to figure out a fair holiday schedule, or just want to make sure your existing order holds up, Horak Law is here to help.
Contact Us to Talk Through Holiday Custody Solutions
If you need help with custody or holiday parenting plans in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, or anywhere in Montgomery County, our team is here to listen.
We know the local courts. We know the common challenges. And we know how to help families get through the holidays with less stress and more peace.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney at Horak Law.