5 Tips for a Smoother Holiday Season with Shared Custody

The holiday season should be a time for family, celebration, and making memories. But for parents navigating shared custody, especially during or after a divorce, the holidays can also bring stress and uncertainty. As a family law attorney in Northeast Ohio, I’ve helped many families find practical solutions for holiday parenting time. Here are five tips, grounded in Ohio law and real-world experience, to help you and your children enjoy a smoother holiday season. 

1. Establish Temporary Orders Early 

If your divorce or custody case is still pending, don’t wait to set up temporary parenting orders. You never know how long a case will take, and chances are you’ll go through at least one holiday season before things are finalized. Temporary orders provide structure and help avoid last-minute disputes.  For example, if you file for divorce in October, a temporary order can specify who has the kids for Thanksgiving and December Holidays, giving everyone a clear plan for the season. To learn more about temporary orders, read our blog article: https://www.npweisslaw.com/blog/can-a-court-make-temporary-orders-in-custody 

2. Plan Holiday Travel Carefully —Especially When Parents Live Far Apart 

If you and your co-parent live far apart, holiday visits require extra planning. Always check the airline’s policies and communicate clearly with the other parent about travel plans, pickup/drop-off times, and emergency contacts. Requirements vary by airline, but generally, a child can fly alone between ages 5 and 14 using an “unaccompanied minor” service, where airline staff supervise the child throughout the journey. Some airlines allow older teens to travel as “young adults” or make the service optional. If your child is under the minimum age for unaccompanied travel, a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult will need to accompany them for the entire flight. Planning ahead ensures your child’s safety and comfort and helps both parents stay informed and prepared. 

3. Alternate Holidays—Don’t Split the Day 

Splitting a holiday between parents—morning with one, evening with the other—often leads to stress and rushed transitions for everyone involved. Most Ohio courts recommend alternating major holidays each year, which is reflected in standard parenting time guidelines. This approach allows children to enjoy a full holiday experience with each parent, rather than spending the day in transit. 

4. Be Proactive About Non-Christian Holidays 

Ohio courts typically default to western Christian holidays (like Christmas and Easter) when setting holiday schedules. If your family celebrates other traditions—such as Hanukkah, Ramadan, Diwali, or Kwanzaa—be proactive in requesting that these holidays be included in your parenting plan. Courts can accommodate religious and cultural observances if parents communicate their needs early and clearly. Include these requests in your initial filings or discuss them during mediation to ensure your family’s traditions are respected and celebrated. 

5. Document Everything—Especially Violations 

Even with a court order in place, violations can happen—missed exchanges, withheld holiday time, or ignored schedules. If you encounter these issues, thorough documentation is your best protection should you need to return to court. Under Ohio law (Revised Code §3109.051(K)), courts have the authority to enforce parenting time orders and impose penalties for repeated or serious violations. 

Keep a detailed log of missed visits, save all relevant texts and emails, and communicate your plans clearly. For example, you might send messages like: 

• My parenting time is tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. I’ll be there. 

• I am at the designated pickup location as scheduled. 

If a serious violation occurs—such as a parent refusing to exchange the children for a scheduled holiday and not responding to calls or texts—document the missed exchange, save all communications, and make a note to notify your attorney during regular business hours. Unfortunately, there’s often nothing you can do in the moment, especially on a holiday, but having a record will help you address the issue through the proper legal channels afterward. Courts may respond by ordering make-up parenting time or modifying the schedule if violations persist. 

Conclusion 

Navigating shared custody during the holidays doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With early planning, clear communication, and a focus on your children’s experience, you can set yourself, and your kids, up for a happier season. If you’re facing these challenges or have questions about your legal options, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who understands Ohio law and can guide you through the process. 

Book a paid consultation now or contact our office to see how N.P. Weiss Law can help. 

About the Author

Attorney Eric Cherry focuses his practice on family law, providing practical, results-oriented representation for individuals and families across Northeast Ohio. He works closely with clients to develop strategies tailored to their unique circumstances, aiming to resolve matters efficiently while protecting their interests. Eric approaches each case with professionalism and care, ensuring clients understand their options and the legal process. Learn more about Eric Cherry. 

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please consult with a licensed Ohio attorney.