CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY PARENTING TIME · 2026
Make the holiday plan
before the holiday rush.
Private remote facilitative mediation for Christmas, school breaks and family celebrations. Work through dates, travel, traditions and the practical details of parenting across two homes.
ONE ISSUE CAN BE ENOUGH
Work on the holiday.
Leave room for the children.
You can discuss Christmas or a school break without resolving every other issue in your separation. The agenda can include other religious or cultural celebrations and the traditions that matter to your family.
Dates and transitions
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year and the school break. Specify handover times, locations, transport and when the regular schedule resumes.
Travel and contingency plans
Discuss itineraries, passports, any travel consent needed, weather delays and how parents will communicate changes. Identify questions for independent legal advice.
Traditions across two homes
Family gatherings, religious celebrations, contact with relatives and calls with the other parent, with attention to children’s ages, routines and needs.
This year and next
Clarify whether a proposed arrangement applies to 2026 only, alternates in future years or should be reviewed on a set date.
BEYOND CHRISTMAS
A plan for the dates
that matter all year.
The same focused format can help parents discuss other school breaks, celebrations and family occasions.
Spring break & summer
Vacation blocks, camps, work schedules, travel dates and how much notice each parent needs before booking.
Birthdays & special days
Children’s birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, school events and milestones, with practical arrangements for participation.
Faith, culture & tradition
Religious observances, cultural celebrations and family traditions. Discuss what matters to the children and each household.
Weddings & family occasions
One-off schedule changes, visits from relatives, important gatherings and a clear return to the usual routine.
One parent plans Christmas Eve with grandparents; the other hopes to travel on Boxing Day. A focused discussion can address exact handover times, travel information, calls and when the normal schedule resumes, without reopening every issue in the separation.
A DEFINED SCOPE
The Holiday Parenting
Plan Session
Ask for a written fee proposal for this focused format. The scope is confirmed after intake, with additional time agreed separately.
Enquire about a session- Separate intake
A private conversation with each parent to assess suitability, safety, the existing arrangements and the proposed agenda.
- A focused remote session
Up to two hours of mediation, where suitable. Joint or separate discussions are considered according to the circumstances.
- A clear written record
A summary of agreed points and remaining questions, including any matters needing legal review or formal documentation.
When this may fit
Both parents are willing to participate, the issues are reasonably defined and each can make informed decisions. A session may help clarify even part of the holiday arrangements.
What comes first
Suitability and safety screening, relevant information and agreement on the process. Mediation may be unsuitable where fear, coercion or safety concerns prevent free participation.
The mediator does not decide the schedule or guarantee agreement. Mediation does not itself change an existing court order. Obtain independent legal advice about proposed changes, travel consent and the legal effect of any agreement.
A FREE PREPARATION TOOL
Your holiday parenting
plan checklist.
Use this to prepare questions, gather information and identify what still needs discussion. It is a planning aid, not a legal agreement.
- Start with the current arrangements. Have the relevant agreement or order ready. Identify the holiday terms and questions that need clarification.
- Mark the actual school break. Confirm the last school day, return date, work schedules and any care arrangements.
- List the dates that matter. Include celebrations, relatives’ visits, travel and your children’s routines.
- Write down a proposal and an alternative. Include dates and times. Consider how each option works for the children.
- Plan the handovers. Who collects, where, at what time and what happens if someone is delayed?
- Consider travel details. Itineraries, contact information, documents, possible consent requirements and weather contingencies.
- Agree how to communicate. Calls with the children, parent-to-parent messages and a way to raise changes.
- Set the end point. When does the normal schedule resume? Is this arrangement for one year or future years too?
- Identify advice and next steps. Record unresolved questions and arrange any independent legal review or formal documentation needed.
Considered Mediation · Remote services · Planning guide updated October 17, 2026
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YOUR NEXT STEP
You don’t need every answer
to begin a conversation.
Tell us the general issue, your province and any important dates. We will discuss suitability, current availability and the scope and fees before you decide whether to proceed.
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