School holidays, Christmas and special occasions can be stressful for separated parents, especially when communication is strained or parenting orders are unclear. These times of year matter deeply to children, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) expects parents to plan ahead and make decisions that prioritise stability, predictability and the child’s best interests.
In NSW, holiday arrangements can be agreed privately, written into a parenting plan, or formalised through consent orders or court-ordered parenting arrangements. This guide explains common schedules that work well, what the Court expects, and how to avoid conflict during these important periods.
Children value structure and routine. Holidays, however, disrupt normal schedules and often involve:
Clear holiday arrangements help reduce tension, avoid misunderstandings and ensure children enjoy meaningful time with both parents.
The Court’s primary concern is always the best interests of the child, including:
Christmas is one of the most emotionally sensitive holiday periods. The most common schedules include:
One parent has the child on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in even-numbered years, and the other in odd-numbered years.
The remaining parent spends Boxing Day and the following days with the child.
If parents live close to each other, the day can be divided into two blocks, such as:
This allows children to enjoy celebrations with both families.
A common schedule is:
Christmas may involve:
The Court encourages parents to create arrangements that respect cultural or religious practices important to the child.
School holidays in NSW include:
Common arrangements include:
Children spend the first half with one parent and the second half with the other.
This is the most practical and widely used arrangement.
For older children or parents living closer together, weekly rotations may work well.
Parents may agree to longer blocks during holidays, such as:
Permission for overseas travel must usually be given in writing when there is a passport or Watchlist concern.
If one parent has limited holiday leave, the child may spend more time with them during shorter breaks, and make up time during longer ones.
Special days outside of major holidays can also be included in parenting plans.
Children’s Birthdays
Common arrangements include:
Parents’ Birthdays
Children often spend a few hours or the whole day with the parent who is celebrating.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
The child usually spends the relevant day with the respective parent, regardless of the normal schedule.
Religious or Cultural Holidays
These may include:
The Court supports arrangements reflecting a child’s cultural identity.
Tips to Reduce Conflict During Holiday Planning
Holiday disputes often come from poor communication or late planning. Helpful strategies include:
Many parenting plans require holiday requests to be made in writing several weeks or months in advance.
Apps like Our Family Wizard help reduce miscommunication and keep a clear record of agreements.
Avoid competing or comparing — focus on what will give the child the most positive holiday experience.
Emergencies, travel delays or family commitments can sometimes require adjustment.
Even informal arrangements should be documented in messages, email or a shared parenting app.
What If You Cannot Agree?
If parents cannot reach agreement, the options are:
This is required before filing most parenting applications.
A written but non-binding agreement between the parents.
A legally enforceable agreement approved by the Court.
If safety issues, coercive control or unworkable conflict exists, the Court may decide holiday arrangements.
Cases involving risk or family violence may be placed on special pathways like the Evatt List for closer management.
Holiday arrangements should not be left to the last minute. If there are safety concerns, communication difficulties or disagreements about travel, legal advice can help you avoid conflict and create a workable plan.
For personalised guidance and support, contact our experienced Family Lawyers in Sydney. You can also explore how our team assists with parenting matters under Family Law.