Holiday Parenting Time in Michigan: How to Split Thanksgiving, Christmas, and School Breaks

Holiday parenting time in Michigan is whatever schedule your custody order or parenting plan sets for Thanksgiving, winter break, and other special days, and in most orders that holiday schedule overrides the regular weekly schedule. Many Macomb County families alternate major holidays between odd and even years or split the day itself. If your order is vague or you and the other parent already disagree, the time to fix it is now, well before the holidays arrive. Our Macomb County custody attorneys can help you read your order, negotiate a clear plan, or ask the court to set one.

Does the holiday schedule override regular parenting time?

Yes, in most Michigan orders the holiday schedule takes priority over the regular weekly or every-other-weekend schedule. If Thanksgiving falls on what would normally be your weekend but the order gives Thanksgiving to the other parent that year, the holiday provision controls. Check your judgment or parenting time order for language that says holidays “supersede” or “take precedence over” regular parenting time. If the order says nothing about holidays, or simply grants “reasonable parenting time,” there is no fixed holiday schedule to enforce, and that is when disputes tend to start.

What are the most common holiday schedules?

Most Michigan families use one of three approaches, often mixed together in the same order.

Alternating years

One parent has Thanksgiving in odd years and the other in even years, with Christmas going the opposite way. This keeps every holiday whole and gives each parent every holiday over a two-year cycle.

Splitting the holiday

The child spends part of the holiday with each parent, such as Christmas Eve with one parent and Christmas Day with the other, or the morning with one and the afternoon with the other. This works best when the parents live close together.

Fixed holidays

Some days stay with the same parent every year. Mother’s Day with the mother and Father’s Day with the father is the most common example, and some families do the same with a holiday that matters more to one side of the family.

The Michigan Parenting Time Guideline, published by the State Court Administrative Office, describes these options and is a useful starting point when parents are drafting a plan. You can find it through the Michigan Courts website.

How is winter break usually divided?

Winter break is commonly split in half, with the halves alternating each year so that each parent gets Christmas Day every other year. Some orders split the break at a fixed date, such as noon on December 26, while others divide the total number of days evenly. Spring break is usually alternated year to year rather than split, since it is shorter. Whatever method you choose, write down exact exchange days and times. Most holiday conflicts come from orders that say “half of winter break” without saying where the halves begin and end.

Can I take my child out of state for the holidays?

Usually yes during your own parenting time, as long as you follow any notice requirements in your order and return the child on time. Many orders require advance notice of travel, an itinerary, and contact information. Moving a child’s residence out of state is different and requires court permission under Michigan’s change of domicile law, but a short holiday trip during your scheduled time generally does not. If your order restricts travel or requires the other parent’s consent, follow it exactly, because violating it can hurt you in a later custody dispute.

What if the other parent won’t follow the holiday schedule?

If the other parent withholds the child during your court-ordered holiday time, document what happened and contact the Macomb County Friend of the Court or file a motion to enforce parenting time. Michigan law allows the court to order make-up parenting time, and repeated violations can lead to fines, contempt findings, or even a change in custody. Do not respond by withholding the child in return, since that puts you in violation too. Because courts get busy in November and December, disputes that come up the week before a holiday are hard to resolve in time.

How can parents avoid holiday conflict?

The best protection is a specific written schedule agreed to well in advance. A few habits help most families:

• Confirm holiday dates, times, and exchange locations in writing by early fall
• Spell out exactly when each holiday starts and ends
• Plan travel ahead and share itineraries as your order requires
• Keep exchanges calm and on time, and avoid arguing in front of the children
• Put any changes you agree to in writing, even by text or email

If you cannot agree, ask the court to clarify or modify the order early. Waiting until December usually means the dispute will not be heard in time for this year’s holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Get your holiday schedule settled before the season starts

A clear holiday plan protects your time with your children and spares everyone a stressful December. The attorneys at Aiello & Associates help Macomb County parents interpret their orders, negotiate workable holiday schedules, and enforce parenting time when the other parent will not follow the plan. Call 586-303-2211 or schedule a free consultation now, while there is still time to resolve it before the holidays.