Holiday parenting plans in Texas can feel confusing, especially if you’re following a Standard Possession Order (SPO) or other possession order for the first time. Holiday periods of possession can get complicated fast.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand how holiday possession under a Standard Possession Order (SPO) works under Texas law.
1. Holidays Override Regular Schedules
No matter what your weekly schedule looks like, holiday periods of possession take priority.
This means:
- Weekend schedules
- Thursday possession
- First/Third/Fifth weekends
…all take a backseat to the specific periods of holiday possession.
2. Thanksgiving Break Alternates Every Year
Under a Texas Standard Possession Order:
- In even-numbered years, one parent gets Thanksgiving break.
- In odd-numbered years, the other parent does.
Thanksgiving Break possession usually starts when school is dismissed and ends the Sunday evening before the school week resumes, although your specific order may be different.
3. Winter Break Is Split Into Two Periods
Under a Texas Standard Possession Order, Winter / Christmas break is usually divided into:
Period 1:
From school dismissal for winter break → December 28 at noon
Period 2:
December 28 at noon → the day school resumes
Each parent alternates these periods every year, although your specific order may be different.
4. School District Calendars Control the Exact Dates
The Texas SPO usually refers to your child’s school calendar.
That means:
- Start dates
- Release times
- Return-to-school dates
…all matter.
Always double-check the district’s calendar, if your order includes this term.
5. Travel Planning Should Be Shared Early
Holiday travel can create conflict, especially if flights overlap possession times.
Texas courts expect:
- Good-faith planning
- Shared itineraries
- Clear communication
The earlier, the better. Preparation and communication are key when holiday travel is involved.
6. If You Can Agree, You Can Customize
Remember: Parents are usually allowed to agree to any holiday arrangement — the SPO is simply the default.
Many families choose to customize their holiday periods of possession, including:
- Split-day holidays
- Family-based traditions
- Flexible exchanges
- Celebrating the holiday twice
The key is cooperation.
When You Need Help with Holiday Possession Issues
If your co-parent refuses to follow the schedule, won’t communicate, or constantly changes plans, it may be time for legal support.
Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC can help you:
- Enforce your holiday orders
- Modify outdated schedules
- Navigate disagreements
- Keep the holidays as stress-free as possible
We are here to help! Let us help protect your holiday time with your kids
