Holiday Planning for Texas Families: Why It’s Smart to Start Early
For families across Texas, the holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year. It is also one of the busiest and, unfortunately, one of the most conflict-prone for parents who share custody. Courts across the state often see a surge in visitation disputes in November and December. These cases range from disagreements about pickup and drop-off times to battles over out-of-state travel. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented with early planning and open communication.
At the Barrows Firm in Southlake, we help parents navigate these issues every year. By reviewing your possession schedule well before the holidays and confirming travel plans in advance, you can protect your children from unnecessary stress and make the season memorable for all the right reasons.
Note: Rolling suitcases on wheels are not the best in all environments
Understanding the Texas Standard Possession Schedule
The Texas Family Code provides a Standard Possession Order (SPO) that outlines holiday visitation. These schedules alternate key holidays between parents in even-numbered and odd-numbered years. For example, one parent may have Thanksgiving in 2025 while the other has Christmas, and those arrangements typically flip the following year.
While the SPO provides predictability, it does not eliminate the need for communication. Parents must still coordinate exact travel times, pickup and drop-off locations, and any special arrangements. The courts expect parents to follow the order, but they also encourage cooperation when adjustments are needed.
Why Early Planning Matters
Waiting until late November to discuss holiday plans is one of the most common mistakes parents make. Judges are well aware that families rush into court at the last minute, seeking emergency relief over disputes that could have been resolved weeks earlier. By planning ahead in September or October, you avoid this stressful scenario.
Early planning allows time to:
- Confirm travel schedules and flight details if one parent is taking the child out of town.
- Adjust parenting time in a way that maintains fairness if unexpected changes arise.
- Reduce the risk of misunderstandings that could escalate into larger conflicts.
- Reassure children that both parents are focused on making the holidays enjoyable.
Communication Is Key
Even when court orders are clear, successful holiday planning requires parents to communicate respectfully and consistently. Putting travel plans and schedule confirmations in writing is one of the best ways to avoid disputes. Many families now use shared online calendars or secure parenting apps so both parents have real-time access to updates.
Courts also look favorably on parents who show they are working together for the child’s benefit. If one parent has a family wedding or a special holiday trip, the other parent may agree to a slight adjustment. Flexibility, when it is reasonable, demonstrates a child-first approach that judges value.
When a Modification May Be Necessary
For some families, the holiday schedule in their current court order may no longer fit their circumstances. If parents live in different states, work non-traditional schedules, or the children’s needs have changed, a modification of the order may be necessary. Filing early is important because courts get backed up as the holidays approach.
The Child Custody Modification Process in Texas
Keeping Children at the Center
Amid the stress of holiday planning, it is easy to lose sight of the most important goal: giving children a joyful, secure, and memorable holiday season. When parents argue or involve children in disputes, the season becomes a source of anxiety instead of happiness. Courts consistently emphasize the “best interests of the child,” and parents should, too.
Call the Barrows Firm to Get the Suitcases Rolling
The holiday season should be about family, tradition, and joy, not last-minute courtroom battles. At the Barrows Firm, we help parents anticipate holiday challenges and resolve them before they become emergencies. Whether you need advice on reviewing your possession schedule, assistance with a modification, or guidance for effective co-parent communication, our team is here to help.
Contact the Barrows Firm in Southlake today to schedule a consultation and prepare for a smooth and stress-free holiday season.
