The holidays sneak up faster than any of us expect — especially when you’re co-parenting. Between school concerts, travel plans, and family expectations, the question isn’t if you’ll hit scheduling conflicts — it’s when.
That’s why smart Minnesota parents start planning holiday parenting time early. The good news? Even if it’s already fall, you’re not too late to make this year smoother, clearer, and conflict-free.
Why Planning Early Matters
In Minnesota, most parenting plans or custody orders don’t spell out exact times for each holiday. Instead, they use broad terms like “alternate holidays” or “Christmas Eve/Day.”
That leaves room for confusion, especially when:
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One parent wants to travel or visit extended family.
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School breaks overlap with regular parenting schedules.
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“Eve” and “Day” aren’t clearly defined.
The earlier you plan, the easier it is to:
✅ Reserve travel tickets and coordinate logistics.
✅ Get court approval or a signed stipulation if changes are needed.
✅ Prevent last-minute texts, calls, or panicked “You’re supposed to have them!” arguments.
When Should You Start Planning?
Here’s a simple timeline most Minnesota family law professionals recommend:
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| September – Early October | Review your existing order and identify unclear holiday terms. |
| Mid-October | Talk with your co-parent about upcoming holidays and travel. Draft a written plan. |
| Early November | Sign and finalize your informal holiday addendum (or file it with the court if you want it enforceable). |
| Late November – December | Focus on enjoying the holidays — not arguing about them. |
Even if it’s already mid-October, there’s still plenty of time to prepare. A one-hour focused review can save weeks of tension later.
What to Include in Your Holiday Plan
A good holiday parenting plan — even an informal one — should cover:
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Exact start and end times for each holiday (no vague “Eve” or “Day” terms).
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Who has which holidays this year and how they alternate in the future.
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Exchange details: time, place, who drives.
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Travel plans: notice requirements, shared itineraries, emergency contacts.
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Tie-breaker rule: holiday schedule overrides regular parenting time.
You can find all these elements (and examples of how to phrase them) in our free Holiday Parenting-Time Checklist — made for Minnesota parents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Waiting until Thanksgiving week.
Courts get busy, and your co-parent’s patience gets shorter. Don’t wait for chaos to hit. -
Agreeing verbally.
Memories differ. Always confirm in writing — even if it’s friendly. -
Assuming the other parent remembers last year’s plan.
Life changes. Put everything in writing each season. -
Skipping the court step when you need enforcement.
If your co-parent hasn’t followed agreements in the past, get the plan filed as a stipulation before the holiday.
Minnesota Parents: What the Courts Expect
Minnesota courts encourage parents to define holiday schedules clearly — not only for peace but also for enforcement.
Under recent updates to the parenting-time statute, judges must order compensatory parenting time if a parent is wrongfully denied time.
That protection only applies if your plan is on record. So, even if you start with an informal version, filing later is easy and smart.
How to Get Started (It’s Easier Than You Think)
- Download the Informal Holiday Addendum Checklist – use it to guide you as you draft your own informal holiday addendum.
- Share the draft with your co-parent early, and agree on terms before the holiday season rush.
- Decide whether to keep it informal or file with the court (your upgrade path)
- Book a guidance call with us — we’ll review your draft, fill in legal gaps, and help with filing if needed.
The holidays can be magical again — even in two homes. All it takes is a little planning and clear communication.
Start now, keep it simple, and set your family up for less stress and more joy. Because this season should be about memories — not motions.
