Navigating the Holidays: Healthy Coparenting Tips for a Peaceful Season

Let’s be honest, even in the happiest homes, the holidays can test anyone’s patience — and that’s before you add two households, travel plans, and dueling cookie recipes into the mix. For families navigating separate households, this season can magnify both joy and logistics. But it’s also the perfect time to set some healthy coparenting intentions that bring a bit more peace (and maybe fewer “spirited” text exchanges) to the holidays. 

Healthy coparenting isn’t just about who gets Christmas morning or which tree the kids decorate; it's about fostering a positive relationship between parents. It’s about building an atmosphere where children feel loved and traditions stay meaningful — even if they come in two versions.  

Here are a few intentions to keep the holidays merry and manageable: 

1. Communicate with Clarity (and maybe a little extra cheer) 

The calendar can fill up faster than your inbox this time of year. Clear, proactive communication prevents last-minute surprises — and the stress that comes with them. Touch base early, keep your tone kind, and aim for phrases that open the door instead of closing it. “How can we make this smooth for the kids?” works far better than “Why didn’t you tell me that sooner?” 

2. Coordinate the Magic 

Children thrive on predictability, especially during the excitement of the holidays. Collaborate to keep traditions aligned — even small things like who’s buying which gift or attending which school concert. When children see both parents working together behind the scenes, it turns coordination into quiet holiday magic and long-term stability for the children. 

3. Flexibility: The Gift That Keeps on Giving 

Unexpected travel hiccups? A last-minute schedule swap? It happens. Approaching these moments with empathy and a deep breath (perhaps assisted by hot cocoa) helps everyone adjust gracefully. Showing flexibility now teaches your children how to handle life’s curveballs later. 

4. Take Your Own Emotional Temperature 

Between managing plans and emotions, don’t forget yourself. Check in with your own stress level before reacting to your co-parent. Sometimes a pause — or a hot latte — can save the day. 

5. Celebrate the Small Wins 

Maybe your ex showed up early. Maybe everyone made it through dinner without a debate about the playlist. Take the win. Recognizing moments of cooperation reinforces goodwill — and sets the stage for smoother seasons ahead. 

Reflection Prompt: This holiday season, ask yourself: What one small change could improve my coparenting dynamic? It might be adjusting how you communicate about schedules, setting a quick weekly check-in, or simply deciding to let one small thing slide. 

At Artese Zandri, we know that family life doesn’t pause for the holidays. Whether you’re revisiting your parenting plan or just trying to keep the peace through New Year’s Eve, our guidance helps parents focus on collaboration, not conflict. 

Contact Artese Zandri to get help with coparenting and creating a holiday plan that truly works for everyone.