The holidays often bring joy, but for separated or divorced parents, they also bring a tough question: Who gets the kids, and when?
It’s an issue many families in San Antonio face every year. Even though the holiday season is still months away, now is the time to prepare a holiday visitation schedule. Courts in Bexar County expect parents to create clear, fair plans long before Thanksgiving or Christmas arrives.
As family lawyers in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve seen what happens when parents wait until the last minute. Stress builds, arguments rise, and sometimes, kids feel caught in the middle. The good news is that with the right planning and guidance, you can avoid that.
Why Start Planning Holiday Visitation Schedule Now?
Parents often assume holiday planning should begin in late fall, but courts encourage parents to finalize plans well ahead of time. Starting early gives everyone space to agree without the pressure of looming holidays.
For example, many standard court orders in Texas divide holidays equally. One parent may have Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, while the other has it in odd-numbered years. The same applies to Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break. Knowing this early helps parents adjust travel plans, gift giving, and family traditions.
When we help families as custody lawyers in San Antonio, TX, we always remind them: kids feel calmer when they know where they’ll be for the holidays.
Standard San Antonio Holiday Visitation Schedules
Texas courts use the “Standard Possession Order” (SPO) as a guideline. For parents in San Antonio, this usually means:
- Thanksgiving Break:Alternates yearly. One parent has the entire break in even years; the other has it in odd years.
- Christmas Break:Divided into two parts. One parent gets from the last school day until December 28; the other parent gets December 28 until school resumes. The order alternates each year.
- New Year’s Day:Falls within the Christmas division, so it depends on which half of the break you receive.
- Spring Break:Alternates yearly, just like Thanksgiving.
Of course, families can agree on a different holiday visitation schedule, as long as both parents sign off and the court approves. Judges appreciate parents who work together, and flexibility often benefits the children most.
Local Court Perspectives: Fairness Above All
San Antonio judges want parents to focus on fairness. That doesn’t mean each parent gets exactly half of every holiday; it means the arrangements should feel reasonable and consistent.
For example, if one parent’s family lives out of state, judges may allow longer holiday visits to support that bond. If both parents live nearby, the court might encourage more frequent exchanges so the child sees both parents during the holiday season.
A family law attorney in San Antonio can help present these requests to the court in a way that emphasizes the child’s best interests. Without proper legal guidance, parents sometimes overlook small details, like pickup times, transportation responsibilities, or how to handle birthdays that fall during holiday breaks. These details matter more than most people realize.
Making Parenting Plans Work for Children
At the end of the day, holiday visitation schedules aren’t about adults; they’re about kids. Children thrive when they feel secure and know what to expect. Confusion and last-minute arguments can turn exciting holidays into stressful experiences.
That’s why we always encourage parents to:
- Put agreements in writing. Verbal promises often lead to disputes later.
- Follow the court’s order. Even if you agree informally, it’s safer to stick to the official plan unless both parents formally update it.
- Communicate early and respectfully. Texts, emails, or co-parenting apps keep conversations clear and less emotional.
- Think about the child’s perspective. Kids often just want to enjoy their holidays without feeling pulled between parents.
When parents keep these steps in mind, holiday custody transitions run much smoothly.
When Parents Can’t Agree
Sometimes, no amount of conversation resolves the conflict. One parent may want Christmas morning every year, while the other refuses to compromise. In these situations, the court steps in.
As custody lawyers in San Antonio, TX, we’ve represented many parents in front of judges who emphasize one main point: consistency matters more than personal preference. Judges look at the child’s needs, school schedules, and past agreements, not at which parent “deserves” more time.
If you believe your current order is unfair or outdated, filing a modification request before the holidays is critical. Waiting until December is often too late.
How We Help Parents Prepare for Holiday Custody
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we know the holiday season should be about family, not courtroom stress. That’s why we work with parents months in advance to draft parenting plans that make sense for their unique situations.
We review court orders, discuss each parent’s priorities, and craft agreements that minimize conflict. If disagreements escalate, we represent parents in court and push for schedules that truly reflect the child’s best interest.
Having an experienced San Antonio family law attorney by your side can make the difference between a chaotic December and a peaceful one.
Ready for a Holiday Plan That Works?
The holidays may still be months away, but the time to prepare is now. Don’t wait until November when emotions are high and options are limited.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we’ve helped countless families set up a holiday visitation schedule that works for everyone. Whether you need advice, negotiation support, or courtroom representation, we’re here to help.
Call today to schedule your free 20-minute consultation with our experienced family lawyers in San Antonio, Texas. Let’s make sure your holidays focus on family, not conflict.