Arranging children’s Christmas holiday contact between separated parents

Arranging childrens Christmas holiday contact SOCIAL.jpg.jpg

The Christmas holiday season is a busy, yet important, period for families, particularly if parents still have dependent children.

For parents who are separated, this can also be a very stressful time. Trying to put in place arrangements over the Christmas period that work for both parents and the children can be challenging.

Louise Daniel, a family law solicitor at WHN’s Haslingden office, explores how the Christmas holiday period can be amicably shared between separated parents.

Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate that their ex-partner, the children’s other parent, may feel the same. They will want to also spend quality time with their children over Christmas.

Focusing on the children’s best interest

While there is no prescribed formula to resolve this issue, any court looking at a Private Law Children Act case will be guided by the paramount principal of the Children Act 1989 which considers each case on the basis of what is in the children’s best interests.

Unless there is a good reason why children should not spend time with both their parents, the starting point to sharing Christmas holidays is to try and achieve a fair or reasonable division of the holidays and special days. The difficulty is often in working out the details.

The option of alternating arrangements for Christmas

It is not unusual for separated couples to divide the arrangements for Christmas Day and alternate arrangements each year. This ensures that both parents can enjoy the same festivities with the children.

This, for example, may entail that one year the children will be with one parent on Christmas Eve, and will wake up in their care on Christmas Day, spend the morning with that parent and then spend time with their other parent from perhaps mid-afternoon, overnight and throughout Boxing Day.

The arrangement would then be reversed the following year.

Given the Christmas school holidays are usually two weeks, it is then for the parents to try and agree an equal share of the balance of the time but necessarily factoring in any existing contact arrangements, or other issues such as those detailed below.

Working together for the children’s benefit

Even when suitable arrangements can be agreed, consideration needs to be given to both parties including their working commitments and transport arrangements. It is also important to agree exact times for the changeover.

For older children, it is important to take into consideration that they may have additional social plans in place with their friends to factor into any arrangements. If you live a long way from your ex-partner, you may also need to consider contingency plans if bad weather makes travel difficult or impossible.

If an agreement can be reached, it is a good idea to confirm the position in writing with both parents signing to confirm their agreement so that matters are clear for everyone.

Children are more likely to adjust to matters well when they can see their parents working together for their benefit.

What to do if an agreement cannot be reached for Christmas arrangements?

Considering matters in good time before the Christmas holidays should help remove any urgency from entering into discussions.

It is appreciated that often despite best efforts, it is not always possible for separated parent to reach an agreement without some form of outside advice and assistance. While mediation is one option, for parents to consider, many parents will seek advice from family law solicitors.

Taking a case to the court may sometimes be necessary, but more often matters relating to holiday arrangements can be resolved without the need for time-consuming or costly court litigation.

Children are more likely to benefit from being able to spend time with both parents on special occasions such as Christmas Day and solicitors can assist in endeavouring to broker an agreement between the parents, if necessary. If a more formal agreement is required, the earlier discussions can begin, the more likely a mutual agreement can be made that ensures both parents feel it is fair.

In most families, children who have separated parents who work together and put their children’s interests first, get to enjoy each Christmas twice, and both with a loving parent.

Further information regarding making arrangements for other holiday periods can be found in Louise’s blog post: What are my options for agreeing school holiday arrangements with my ex-partner?

Louise Daniel has over 25 years’ experience advising clients on separation, divorce, financial and children’s cases. Should you wish to seek advice regarding Christmas holiday arrangements or any other family-related matter, please call Louise on 01706 213356 or by emailing your contact details to [email protected].

Enjoyed this? Read more from Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall Solicitors

Latest news

1

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years St Annes Square footfall

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years

26 Oct 2025

2

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

3

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

4

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

5

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin