Holidays in Parenting Plans
As summer approaches and holidays like Memorial Day draw near, it is crucial to consider which holidays to include in your Parenting Plan and how they will be allocated between each parent.
When your attorney prepares a proposed Parenting Plan, they will often include the standard holidays in the family law form. However, it’s important to remember that once a Parenting Plan is established, it is likely to be in place for a long time. Therefore, don’t hesitate to customize the plan to make it uniquely yours.
Incorporate holidays that hold significance for your family and allocate them in a way that honors your traditions. This can vary significantly among families. For instance, one side of the family might have a strong connection to New Year’s Eve, while another might always take trips on Labor Day. Taking these historical practices into account can lead to a more thoughtful and well-reasoned plan.
Another important aspect to consider is the religious and cultural background of each family. For instance, if one side of the family celebrates a holiday due to their religious beliefs while you do not, a good compromise would be to allow them to celebrate those holidays each year while also designating a holiday that holds more significance for your family. This way, both sides can honor their traditions.
| With Mother (Year) | With Father (Year) | |
| New Year’s Day | EVEN | ODD |
| Easter Sunday | ODD | EVEN |
| Memorial Day | EVERY | |
| July 4th | EVEN | ODD |
| Labor Day | EVERY | |
| Halloween | ODD | EVEN |
| Thanksgiving | EVEN | ODD |
| Christmas Eve | EVERY | |
| Christmas Day | EVEN | ODD |
Sometimes, parents wonder whether it’s better to divide holidays evenly (odd/even style) or to split the day in half. The best choice depends on the significance of the holiday, the age of the child, and the level of conflict between the parents. While some parents think that dividing a holiday “in half” is a fair solution, it can often be challenging for the child. This approach may disrupt cherished traditions and require both parents, and the child, to spend most of the holiday traveling. Although a split holiday can be appropriate in some cases, it’s important to embrace the new normal after a divorce. This includes creating time for each parent to establish meaningful new traditions for celebrating together with the children.
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