Many Texas orders follow what’s called a Standard Possession Order, or SPO. This lays out exactly how Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks alternate each year between parents. Typically, one parent has Thanksgiving in even-numbered years and the other parent has it in odd-numbered years. The same alternating pattern applies to Christmas — but it’s split into two parts:

• The first half of the Christmas break (from school dismissal to December 28 at noon)
• The second half of the break (from December 28 at noon to the evening before school resumes)

So, if you had Thanksgiving last year, expect the other parent to have it this year. And if you get the first half of Christmas this time around, you’ll have the second half next year. To confirm the exact language in your order, you can review the Texas Family Code §153.312, which spells out the holiday possession schedule in detail (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.153.htm) on the official Texas Legislature website.

Why You Should Review Your Order Early

Waiting until mid-November to figure out who gets the kids when is like waiting until Christmas Eve to start shopping — technically possible, but unnecessarily stressful. Review your order now and communicate clearly with your co-parent. Make sure everyone understands the pickup and drop-off times, especially if travel or extended family visits are involved.

If your parenting plan is a little different from the Standard Possession Order, that’s okay — many parents customize their agreements. But even then, sticking to the written order (and not verbal “we’ll see” arrangements) helps avoid confusion later. The Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division offers a useful guide to possession and visitation (https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/families-and-parenting/parenting-time-overview/parenting-time-schedule) that explains how to interpret and follow your order.

Planning Ahead Makes for a Peaceful Holiday

This time of year should be about family, gratitude, and peace — not panic. Confirm your schedule, coordinate gift-giving if needed, and plan ahead for holiday exchanges. A little preparation now keeps the focus where it should be: your kids enjoying a memorable, low-drama holiday season.

If questions or conflicts come up about your holiday possession schedule, our experienced attorneys can review your court order and help you navigate solutions that keep things merry and bright.

Based in Flower Mound and serving families across Denton County, our experienced female family law and divorce attorneys have helped countless parents navigate Texas holiday possession schedules and orders with clarity and compassion.  We understand the challenges  – and we’re here to help you and your time with your children while keeping the season peaceful.