If your custody order doesn’t clearly spell out who gets which holidays — and when — you’re not alone. Every year, Minnesota parents run into the same problem: vague language like “alternate holidays” or “share time as agreed” that leaves too much room for interpretation.

That’s where a holiday parenting-time addendum comes in. It’s a simple, supplemental agreement that removes the guesswork — and prevents conflict before it starts.

Here’s what it is, why it matters, and what must be included to make it clear, fair, and enforceable.

What Is a Holiday Addendum?

A holiday addendum (sometimes called a holiday parenting-time agreement) is a written document that clarifies how parents will divide holidays and school breaks.

Think of it as a plug-in to your main custody order — it doesn’t replace your parenting plan, it just adds detail.

You can:

• Keep it informal (a signed agreement between you and your co-parent), or

• File it with the court as a stipulation and order to make it legally binding.

Either way, a good addendum keeps you out of conflict — and out of court — when the holidays roll around.

Why You Need One

Without a clear holiday addendum, families face the same avoidable problems:

• Arguing over what “Christmas Eve” means

• Overlapping school breaks and regular parenting time

• Unclear drop-off and pickup details

• Disputes over travel, flights, or family gatherings

In Minnesota, courts strongly encourage specific, detailed schedules because they’re easier to enforce and reduce emotional strain on kids.

A well-drafted addendum means everyone knows the plan — and the children get a calmer, more predictable holiday season.

What to Include in a Holiday Addendum

Here’s what every Minnesota holiday parenting-time addendum should cover:

1. List of Holidays and School Breaks

Include all major holidays that matter to your family — not just the “big” ones. Examples:

• • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
  • Spring Break
  • Winter Break
  • Mother’s Day / Father’s Day
  • Children’s birthdays
  • Religious or cultural holidays

💡 Tip: Write out exact calendar dates for the current year, and include a note that they’ll adjust annually based on the calendar.

2. Who Has Each Holiday (and When)

Decide which parent has which holidays, and how often they alternate.

Common options:

• • Alternate Years: Parent A gets Thanksgiving in even-numbered years; Parent B gets it in odd-numbered years.

  • Split Days: One parent has the morning, the other the evening.

  • Fixed Assignment: Each parent always gets specific holidays (for example, Mother’s Day / Father’s Day).

3. Exact Start and End Times

Avoid phrases like “Christmas morning” or “Thanksgiving weekend.”
Be precise:

“Thanksgiving begins Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. and ends Friday at 6:00 p.m.”

Specific times eliminate misunderstandings and give you enforceability if disputes arise.

4. Exchange Details

Clarify the where and how:

• • Exchange location (home, neutral spot, or school)

  • Who is responsible for driving

  • How weather delays or traffic issues will be handled

Pro tip: Add a “courtesy window” (like 15 minutes) to prevent small delays from escalating into major arguments.

5. Travel and Communication Rules

If either parent plans to travel:

• • Require a set notice period (10–14 days is typical).

  • Share itineraries, flight info, and emergency contacts.

  • Allow reasonable video calls for the child while away.

These clauses prevent miscommunication and protect both parents’ peace of mind.

6. Tie-Breaker Rule

Always state which schedule takes precedence if the regular parenting plan conflicts with the holiday schedule.

✅ Best practice: “The holiday schedule shall override the regular parenting schedule.”

This simple line resolves countless arguments.

7. Make-Up Time Clause

If a holiday causes one parent to miss their usual time, outline how it will be made up.

Example:

“Each parent shall receive equivalent make-up time within 30 days following any missed regular parenting time due to the holiday schedule.”

Minnesota courts look favorably on parents who include make-up time terms — it shows fairness and flexibility.

8. Signature and Date

Both parents should sign and date the addendum.
This shows mutual consent — and if you later file it, it’s ready for court approval.

When to File It With the Court

If you and your co-parent have a cooperative relationship, you can keep your addendum informal.
But if disagreements arise or there’s a history of noncompliance, file it as a stipulation and order with the court.

In Minnesota, filing before the holiday ensures the court (and law enforcement, if needed) can enforce it that same season.
If it’s filed after the holiday, it only applies moving forward.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Leaving vague terms like “alternate holidays.”
🚫 Forgetting to define start/end times.
🚫 Ignoring travel logistics.
🚫 Not including a tie-breaker or make-up time clause.
🚫 Waiting too long to finalize or file (judges’ dockets fill up fast before the holidays).

Bonus Tip: Add an Annual Review Reminder

Families change — new jobs, new relationships, new travel patterns.
Add a simple line:

“Parents agree to review and update the holiday addendum annually by October 1.”

This keeps the agreement relevant without constant modification motions.

Ready to Make Yours?

If you haven’t updated your holiday plan in years (or ever), now’s the time.

1. Download the Informal Holiday Addendum Checklist – use it to guide you as you draft your own informal holiday addendum.
2. Share the draft with your co-parent early, and agree on terms before the holiday season rush.
3. Decide whether to keep it informal or file with the court (your upgrade path)
4. Book a guidance call with us — we’ll review your draft, fill in legal gaps, and help with filing if needed

Small updates now can prevent big headaches later. Let’s make this holiday season about peace — not paperwork.