W
hen parents separate, it can often lead to difficult decisions about where the children will spend their holidays. Many families have holiday traditions that involve extended family and attending holiday events together. Here, we will explain how Texas law addresses the holidays for divorced parents.
Understanding the Standard Possession Order
The child’s best interest will always be the primary concern when splitting the holidays. Texas law has a visitation schedule called the “Standard Possession Order,” which is presumed to be best for the child. The Standard Possession Order addresses the following holidays and other special days: (1) Christmas/Winter Break, (2) Thanksgiving, (3) Spring Break, (4) Mother’s Day Weekend, (5) Father’s Day Weekend, and (6) the child’s birthday. The Standard Possession Order does not address any other holidays such as Easter, the Fourth of July, or Memorial Day.
With the exception of Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends, the Standard Possession Order generally alternates holidays between even and odd years. So, if one parent has the entirety of the Thanksgiving holiday break in 2025, the other parent will have the first part of the Christmas holiday break in 2025. During the Christmas period, one parent has possession from the time school dismisses until December 28th (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), while the other parent has possession from December 28th until school resumes. In the following year, 2026, the parents will flip the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods of possession. Under the Standard Possession Order, the parents will also alternate that Spring Break every year.
These holiday periods of possession generally coincide with the child’s school holidays. The Spring Break, Christmas, and Thanksgiving periods of possession all begin and end according to the child’s school calendar.
Texas Standard Possession Calendar 2025
Understanding when holidays fall in relation to the Standard Possession Order can help parents plan ahead. For a clear view of custody schedules in 2025, you can reference the Texas Standard Possession calendar below. This calendar marks the designated periods for each parent based on the standard alternating schedule, including holiday periods, weekend possessions, and extended summer visitation times. Using this calendar as a reference point, parents can coordinate plans well in advance and ensure smooth transitions throughout the year.
Texas Standard Possession Calendar
Making Changes to Holiday Schedules
The Standard Possession Order is the starting point for holiday possession schedules. If your parenting plan is not working, there are two ways to change this schedule. First, the parents can agree to change the schedule. Second, the parents can ask a judge to order a different schedule. For instance, one parent may have a tradition of spending Memorial Day at a family reunion. If the child has attended the family reunion in the past and had a positive experience, the parties may agree that the child can continue to attend. Other families have traditions that require attendance at religious events. Again, the parties can agree to a possession schedule to accommodate these events. If they are unable to agree, a parent can ask a judge to order that schedule.
Additional Holiday Considerations
While the Standard Possession Order covers major holidays, many families need to address other special occasions. Religious holidays like Easter, cultural celebrations, and national holidays like Independence Day may require additional planning. Parents can work together to create arrangements that honor important family traditions while maintaining stability for their children.
Managing Holiday Transitions
Spending holidays apart from children during holidays and vacations can be difficult, particularly in the first few years following the divorce. The Standard Possession Order is designed to ensure that the child spends time with both parents during school vacations. Success often depends on parents maintaining clear communication, planning ahead, and focusing on their children’s well-being.
Holiday Travel and Special Events
Holiday custody arrangements often involve travel considerations, especially when parents live in different cities. Texas law requires parents to share information about holiday travel plans, including destinations, schedules, and contact information. For international travel, additional documentation and court permissions may be needed. Parents should address these details well in advance to avoid complications.
Special events during holidays require extra coordination between parents. School performances, religious ceremonies, and family gatherings may not align perfectly with the Standard Possession Order schedule. Parents can work together to ensure children don’t miss important events, even if they fall during the other parent’s designated time. This might mean trading time or making special arrangements to accommodate these occasions.
Technology and Financial Considerations
Modern technology offers helpful tools for divorced parents managing holiday schedules. Co-parenting apps and shared digital calendars can help track custody arrangements, document agreements, and maintain clear communication. These tools are especially useful during busy holiday seasons when schedules become more complex.
Financial aspects of holiday custody also deserve careful consideration. Parents should discuss how to handle holiday-related expenses such as travel costs, special events, and gift-giving. Clear agreements about these expenses can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Some parents choose to coordinate gift-giving to avoid duplication and ensure fairness, while others maintain separate holiday celebrations.
Schedule Changes and Blended Families
Even well-planned holiday schedules sometimes need adjustment. Weather delays, illness, or work obligations can disrupt holiday arrangements. The Standard Possession Order provides a framework, but parents should remain flexible and maintain open communication when unexpected situations arise. Having a plan for handling these disruptions can reduce stress for everyone involved.
Blended families add another layer to holiday planning. When parents remarry, holiday schedules must sometimes accommodate step-siblings and new family traditions. This might mean creating new customs while preserving meaningful traditions from the original family unit. Success often depends on patience, flexibility, and a focus on what’s best for all children involved.
If you have concerns about holiday possession, we’re ready to help. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you create or modify holiday schedules that work for your family while complying with Texas law. Contact us today to discuss your holiday custody arrangements.
