Home for the Holidays!

Ah, holidays and vacations. Can we ever have too many of them? But you’re going to have to look at them somewhat differently now that you’re ending your marriage. It’s true that some divorced parents are still able to celebrate the big holidays together, but for most a schedule must be agreed on. Thankfully, it’s really quite straightforward.

The easiest days to work out are the parents’ birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. As for the children’s birthdays, well, not many children would be upset to find out they’re celebrating twice, and that goes for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, too.

Slightly more complicated are the three-day holidays that occur throughout the year. There’s Martin Luther King, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and residents of this state, Nevada Day, otherwise known as Halloween! Parents need to take account of their work schedules when deciding where the kids will spend the long weekend.

Remember, too, that Christmas and Thanksgiving are not single day events. The former occurs during the Holiday break from school and the latter takes place during a multi-day vacation. Parents will need to decide how the children will share time with them during those periods.

There are religious holidays that must also be accounted for. This is especially important when the parents do not share the same religious beliefs

And of course, there is summer vacation. How will the children spend time with both parents during the summer? Will each parent vacation someplace special with the children? When do you need to let the other parent know of your plans.

There’s a lot to consider when trying to work out where the kids will spend their holiday and vacation time. It’s wise to think about this before your mediation so that you have something to offer when the topic comes up. Plan ahead!