The holidays bring a lot of moving pieces for two-household families: school breaks, travel, extended family and traditions that both parents care about. The families who have the calmest holidays are usually the ones who settled the details weeks ahead instead of the night before.
Start with what your current plan says. Many parenting plans already include a holiday schedule. Read it together, or each on your own, and note anything that is unclear, such as what time a holiday starts, where exchanges happen or how a holiday interacts with the regular weekly rotation.
Agree on the details that cause the most friction:
Exact start and end times for each holiday, not just the day
Who handles transportation and where exchanges take place
How the kids will reach the other parent by phone or video while they are away
Travel plans, including destinations and a contact number
Gifts, so the kids are not caught between two lists or two budgets
Think about alternating years. Many families alternate the major holidays so each parent gets a turn. Others split the day itself. There is no single right answer. The best schedule is one your kids can follow and both of you can keep.
Put it in writing. Even a short email that confirms the times and exchange spots can head off misunderstandings. If you find you cannot agree, a neutral mediator can help you work through the options and put the result into a written parenting plan.
Integrated Family Solutions offers parenting plan mediation by Zoom or in person in Reno. You can book a session on our Appointments page.
Integrated Family Solutions provides family law drafting support for attorneys and parenting plan mediation in Nevada. We are not a law firm, and this post is general information, not legal advice. For legal advice about your situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.