Navigating Child Custody & Visitation Over the Holidays in Texas
Daniel Ogbeide
A woman is holding a wedding ring on her finger.

The holidays can be a joyful time— but for separated or divorced parents, they often bring extra stress: Who has the children for Thanksgiving? Christmas? When does visitation begin and end? At Daniel Ogbeide Law, our Texas family-law team helps parents in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio understand and apply holiday schedules in custody arrangements.

1. The Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) & Holiday Schedule

Under Texas law, the default parenting-time schedule is known as the Standard Possession Order (SPO). It governs weekends, summer, and holidays unless parents agree otherwise.

Regarding the holidays:

  • For Thanksgiving: Under the SPO, the non-custodial parent (possessory conservator) typically has children beginning at 6 p.m. on the day school is dismissed in odd-numbered years, and the custodial parent has them in even years.
  • For Christmas/Winter Break: The SPO divides the break. In even-numbered years, the non-custodial parent may have possession from dismissal until noon on December 28; then the custodial parent takes over from noon December 28 until school resumes. In odd-numbered years, the schedule flips.

2. Why Holiday Schedules Matter

Holidays often mean travel, traditions, gifts, extended breaks—and high emotions. Clear schedules help avoid conflict and ensure children aren’t caught between parents. Planning ahead helps both households to have meaningful time.

3. Steps Parents Should Take

  • Review your court decree: Your divorce or custody order may reflect a customized holiday schedule rather than the default SPO.
  • Communicate early: Discuss possession, pickup/drop-off times, travel logistics, and any coordination of gifts or traditions.
  • Put children first: Focus on the child’s experience. Avoid turning the holiday into a tug-of-war. Many Texas sources stress that the child’s best interest is the guiding standard.
  • Be flexible but clear: Holidays can be unpredictable—travel delays, illness, work demands. If adjustments are needed, document them (emails/texts) and ideally get amendment in writing.
  • Don’t withhold time because of payment disputes: Custody/visitation and child support are separate legal issues under Texas law—one cannot lawfully withhold visitation because support was late.

4. Common Holiday Issues & How Daniel Ogbeide Law Helps

  • Parent lives far away: The SPO has special rules if parents live more than 100 miles apart.
  • New blended family traditions: You may want to negotiate a custom holiday schedule that better matches your family’s needs.
  • Denial of visitation: If the other parent refuses scheduled time, legal enforcement is possible.
  • Modifying the schedule: If your circumstances change significantly, you may petition to modify possession/visitation.

Our team helps draft, negotiate and, when needed, litigate holiday possession orders so you can minimize disruption and maximize positive time with your child.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Holidays should be a time of joy—not conflict. Whether you’re worried about sharing Thanksgiving in San Antonio or managing a Christmas break schedule near Austin or Houston, having the right legal framework and partner makes a difference. Contact Daniel Ogbeide Law for help creating or enforcing a holiday visitation plan that works for you and your child.