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Shared Custody Christmas Checklist
Navigate holiday logistics with your co-parent smoothly. Covers gift coordination, schedule communication, and creating positive memories at both homes.
🗓️ Schedule Coordination (6+ Weeks Before)
- ○Review custody agreement holiday provisions
- ○Confirm which parent has Christmas Eve vs Christmas Day
- ○Agree on exact exchange time and location
- ○Discuss school break schedule coverage
- ○Plan extended family gathering logistics
- ○Set deadline for any schedule change requests
- ○Create shared calendar with all holiday dates
🎁 Gift Coordination
- ○Share child's wish list between homes
- ○Agree on "big gift" (avoid duplicates)
- ○Set maximum gift budget if needed
- ○Coordinate any shared gift purchases
- ○Plan for gifts from "Santa" at both homes
- ○Discuss gifts that travel vs stay at each home
- ○Coordinate with extended family on both sides
- ○Plan gift storage/display at each home
🎄 Traditions at Each Home
- ○Discuss which traditions continue at each home
- ○Allow child to have unique experiences at each home
- ○Plan tree decorating (separate or together)
- ○Coordinate cookie baking or baking traditions
- ○Plan special breakfast or meal at each home
- ○Discuss pajama traditions (new PJs on Christmas Eve)
- ○Allow child to create traditions at each home
📦 Packing for Holiday Transition
- ○Holiday outfit for special gatherings
- ○New toys/gifts that travel between homes
- ○Comfort items (even more important during holidays)
- ○Battery packs/chargers for new electronics
- ○Thank you cards to write at receiving home
- ○Photos from other home's celebration to share
🤝 Communication Guidelines
- ○Allow child to call other parent on Christmas Day
- ○Share photos from your celebration promptly
- ○Speak positively about other home's celebration
- ○Avoid scheduling conflicts with other parent's family
- ○Discuss Santa story consistency between homes
- ○Plan for video call if parent is traveling
💰 Financial Coordination
- ○Agree on split for shared gifts
- ○Track receipts for agreed shared expenses
- ○Discuss any travel costs (flights, hotels)
- ○Plan for activity costs during school break
- ○Coordinate camp or childcare if both working
❤️ Child's Emotional Support
- ○Acknowledge it's okay to miss other parent
- ○Avoid making child feel guilty about enjoying time
- ○Create a "countdown" to see other parent
- ○Let child bring small memento from other home
- ○Maintain bedtime routine for stability
- ○Watch for signs of stress or sadness
- ○Remind child both parents love them equally
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Shared Custody Christmas Checklist include?
This checklist contains 46 specific items organized into 7 categories: 🗓️ Schedule Coordination (6+ Weeks Before), 🎁 Gift Coordination, 🎄 Traditions at Each Home, and more. Example items include Review custody agreement holiday provisions, Confirm which parent has Christmas Eve vs Christmas Day, Agree on exact exchange time and location.
How do I use this checklist effectively?
1) Copy the list to your free Honeydew account. 2) Review all 46 items and remove any that don't apply to your situation. 3) Add any personal items unique to your needs. 4) Share with family members to divide responsibilities. 5) Check off items as you complete them.
What are the 10 most important items for custody exchanges?
Based on family coordinators: 1) Medications with dosage instructions, 2) Comfort item (specific stuffed animal/blanket), 3) School backpack with homework, 4) Tablet/device with charger, 5) Current reading book, 6) Sports/activity gear for that week, 7) Weather-appropriate outerwear, 8) Hygiene items (toothbrush, hairbrush), 9) Communication log/notebook, 10) Any special occasion outfits needed.
How can co-parents share this checklist in real-time?
In Honeydew: 1) Create a free account. 2) Import this checklist. 3) Tap "Share" and enter your co-parent's email. 4) Both parents can now see and update the same list. Items checked by one parent appear instantly for the other. You can also add notes to each item for special instructions.