The Christmas school holiday period is one of the most joyful — and often one of the most stressful — times of the year for separated families. Emotions can run high, travel plans need to be coordinated, and both sides naturally want meaningful time with the children.
As family lawyers, we see many disputes arise at this time of year. With preparation, communication, and a clear understanding of your obligations, the holiday period can run smoothly for you and your children.
Below is a practical guide to help you prepare for Christmas parenting arrangements, understand common pitfalls, and plan ahead to avoid conflict.
Christmas is a “special occasion”, meaning it often requires a unique arrangement separate from regular or ordinary term-time care. This period is longer, involves festive events, travel, and extended family gatherings, and is often emotionally charged. It also falls in the longest school holiday period in the year.
For many families, Christmas arrangements differ from the usual routine and require careful planning to make sure the children enjoy their break, maintain relationships with both parents, and avoid being caught in the middle of conflict.
In certain cases, parties have the benefit of clearly structured parenting arrangements that are reflected in either a Parenting Plan or Parenting Orders. In these circumstances, navigating the care and time arrangements over the holiday period can be easier as the parties have a guide or Orders which assist the parties navigate any disputes and sets out what their obligations may be.
Equally, disputes, problems or confusion may arise for those who do not have the benefit of clearly and adequately structed arrangements; and the parents/carers will be relied upon by their children to facilitate child-focussed arrangements for them. In this circumstance, careful and early planning can be key.
One of the most common triggers for disputes is not arranging holiday care early enough. The Court becomes extremely busy from October onwards, and urgent applications to deal with any disputes may not be heard in time.
Even if the parents/carers had Parenting Orders, those parents/carers sometimes assume the holiday period follows normal arrangements, only to discover too late that their orders have a separate holiday clause, or no clause at all.
Interstate or overseas travel often requires the other parent’s/carer’s consent. Problems arise when:
Changeovers during the festive period can be complicated by travel, family events, and changes to usual locations.
Tension during the holiday season can make communication challenging, but poor communication may inevitably create further conflict.
Use this checklist to prepare well in advance:
✔ Review your Parenting Orders or Parenting Plan
✔ If you have no holiday arrangements — discuss them early
Aim to start discussions by September–October, to leave the parties with sufficient time to deal with any disputes that may arise.
If negotiations fail, you may need mediation and/or the guidance of family lawyers before applying to the Court.
✔ Confirm travel plans
Provide the other parent/carer with:
If overseas travel is planned, check passport arrangements early.
✔ Plan changeover times and locations
Agree on:
✔ Share information about Christmas events
Children deserve to experience Christmas without tension. Sharing event times, family plans, or religious activities helps avoid overlap or conflict.
✔ Pack appropriately for the children
Ensure the children have:
✔ Keep communication clear, respectful and child-focused
Use Apps like OurFamilyWizard, or parenting communication guidelines if communication is strained.
✔ Consider mediation early
If there is disagreement, you may consider booking mediation well before December. Many services close or become fully booked in late November.
Ask: “How will this arrangement affect the kids?”
Children benefit most from low conflict and predictability.
Sometimes unexpected things happen — illness, family plans changing, or travel delays. Showing reasonable flexibility (where safe and appropriate to do so) can reduce unnecessary disputes and can create positive experiences for the children.
Important information should be shared early and clearly. Last-minute changes often trigger conflict.
Direct adult-to-adult communication reduces confusion and protects the children from emotional strain.
If Christmas Day is shared or alternated, remember that usually, the date is not as important as the experience. Many families celebrate “Christmas Day” on multiple days or in different households.
If you are unsure of your rights, responsibilities, or options, speaking with a family lawyer early prevents problems from escalating.
If you cannot reach agreement and mediation has been attempted (or an exception applies), applications for Christmas arrangements should ideally be filed as early as possible — usually by October.
The Court traditionally sets cut-off dates for Christmas applications, and missing these deadlines may mean the Court cannot hear your matter before the holidays.
Pursuant to the Family Law Rules, interim time applications seeking parenting orders for the end-of-year school holiday period must be filed by 4pm on 14 November 2025.
Christmas should be a time of joy, rest, and connection for you and your children. With early planning, respectful communication, and a clear understanding of your arrangements, most holiday disputes can be avoided.
If you need assistance negotiating holiday care, drafting a parenting plan, or bringing an application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, our family law team is here to help.
"*" indicates required fields
