21 Oct Holiday Handover: How to Navigate a Christmas Custody Schedule in Texas
For parents in Denton, Tarrant, Collin, Wise, and Parker Counties, the Christmas season can bring both joy and stress, especially when it comes to child custody exchanges. The key to a peaceful holiday is understanding the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO), which outlines how holiday schedules override your regular visitation plan.
The most important date to remember is December 28, the official handover day when children are switched between homes. This guide explains the “First Half / Second Half” rule, how to check your local school calendar, and what steps you can take to avoid conflict and confusion during this busy time of year.
1. Why the Holiday Schedule Overrides Everything
If your Texas divorce or custody order follows the Standard Possession Order, it includes special holiday rules that override your normal weekly schedule.
For example, even if a holiday falls on your usual weekend, the other parent will have possession if it is their turn under the SPO. The system is designed to be fair, so both parents get meaningful time with their children during the holidays.
Remember: The holiday schedule always takes priority over your regular Thursday or weekend visitation.
2. The Simple Christmas Split: First Half and Second Half
Under Texas law, the winter break is divided into two halves. Which half you receive depends on whether it is an odd or even year. The dividing date is December 28.
The First Half (From School Dismissal to December 28)
- Odd Years (for example, 2023): The parent who has primary custody (the Managing Conservator) keeps the children for the first half, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Even Years (for example, 2024): The parent with visitation rights (the Possessory Conservator) receives the first half.
The Second Half (From December 28 to School Resumes)
- Odd Years (for example, 2023): The Possessory Conservator has the second half, covering New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Even Years (for example, 2024): The Managing Conservator takes the second half.
The Key Exchange: December 28 at Noon
The most common point of conflict is noon on December 28, when the switch officially happens.
- Possession for the first-half parent ends at 12:00 p.m.
- The second-half parent picks up the children at noon.
Even a short delay can create unnecessary stress for children and tension between parents. Clear communication and punctuality are essential.
3. Why Checking Your Local School Calendar Matters
The Texas Family Code defines when holiday possession begins and ends, but your local school district calendar determines the exact dates.
The SPO states that holiday possession begins when the child is dismissed from school for Christmas break. That means the start date depends entirely on your child’s school, whether it is in Denton ISD, Fort Worth ISD, McKinney ISD, Weatherford ISD, Aledo ISD, or another local district.
Do Not Guess, Verify
Guessing the start time can lead to serious misunderstandings. For example, if school dismisses early on the Friday before break, possession officially begins at 6:00 p.m. that evening.
To avoid confusion:
- Check the official school calendar for the exact dismissal time.
- Confirm the start and exchange times in writing, such as via text or email, including the noon handover on December 28.
Taking this simple step in November or early December can prevent stressful last-minute disputes.
Court Closure Reminder
Courts in Denton, Tarrant, Collin, Wise, and Parker Counties are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which means custody emergencies cannot be addressed on those dates. Plan ahead to minimize the need for legal assistance during the holiday season.
4. Traveling During the Holidays
Many families use the long winter break to travel, sometimes outside of Texas or even internationally. Before booking a trip, make sure your travel plans comply with your custody order.
International Travel Requires Written Consent
Even if your order does not specifically mention travel, it is standard practice to obtain written consent from the other parent before taking a child out of the country.
If your child does not yet have a passport, both parents typically must approve the application if the child is under 16.
Preventing Unauthorized Travel
If you are concerned that the other parent might leave the country without permission, you can ask the court to hold the child’s passport or enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP). This program will alert you if the other parent attempts to apply for a new passport for the child.
Taking these steps helps protect your parental rights and ensures your child’s safety.
5. Your Peaceful Holiday Handover Checklist
Use this simple checklist to keep your holiday focused on family, not frustration:
✅ Check the Year: Determine whether it is an odd or even year to see who has Christmas Day.
✅ Check the School Calendar: Confirm the exact dismissal time for your child’s district.
✅ Confirm the Exchange: Agree in writing on the exact December 28 noon handover time and location.
✅ Plan Travel Properly: Follow the travel notice requirements in your order and get written consent for any international trips.
Conclusion
The Texas Standard Possession Order is designed to give children quality time with both parents during the holidays. By following these guidelines, verifying your school calendar, and planning for the December 28 handover, you can enjoy a smoother, more peaceful Christmas season.
If you believe the other parent may not follow the order or if you need to file an enforcement motion before the holidays, please contact our office today. An experienced family law attorney serving Denton, Tarrant, Collin, Wise, and Parker Counties can help you protect your rights and ensure a calm and joyful holiday season for you and your children.