Navigating Christmas Child Contact Arrangements UK: A Guide for Parents

Christmas is a magical time for children, but for separated parents, the festive season can also bring pressure, uncertainty, and conflict around contact arrangements. Deciding where your child spends Christmas and how holiday time is divided can be emotionally challenging, especially if communication with your ex-partner is strained.

This guide explains how Christmas contact arrangements work in the UK, what your legal options are, and how to prioritise your child’s wellbeing throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Child Contact Arrangements UK - Why Christmas Contact Can Be Challenging

The Christmas period is naturally emotive. Parents often have strong feelings about wanting their child with them on Christmas Day, and routines that work during the year don’t always fit neatly into holiday schedules.

Challenges often arise because:

• Both parents want quality festive time with the child

• Extended family traditions may conflict

• Travel and logistics become complicated

• Communication may already be tense

• Children may feel torn between households

The good news is that with clear planning and a child-focused approach, many families can reach a positive and fair arrangement.

Agreeing Christmas Contact Amicably

The courts encourage parents to make their own arrangements wherever possible. Here are common arrangements separated parents use:

Alternating Christmas Each Year

One parent has Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in even years, and the other has them in odd years. This is one of the fairest and least contentious approaches.

Splitting Christmas Day

Some families choose to divide the day itself, for example:

• Morning with one parent, afternoon with the other

• Christmas Eve and overnight with one parent, Christmas Day afternoon with the other

This works best when parents live close by and the child isn’t pressured by too much travel.

Celebrating “Two Christmas Days”

Parents choose alternative days to celebrate Christmas with their child. This can reduce stress and help the child enjoy a full celebration with each parent.

Following Existing Court Orders

If you already have a Child Arrangements Order, check whether it includes provisions for Christmas contact.

If it does, you must follow it unless both parties agree otherwise.

What If You Cannot Agree?

1. Try Mediation

Family mediation is often a quick and constructive way to resolve Christmas-related disputes. A mediator helps both parents work toward a practical schedule without going to court.

2. Apply for a Specific Issue Order

If agreement is not possible and time is running out, you can apply to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order to determine Christmas contact.

The court will consider:

• The child’s best interests (the paramount consideration)

• Existing routines and relationships

• The practicalities of travel

• Any safeguarding concerns

• The impact of conflict on the child

Courts become extremely busy before Christmas, applications should be made early.

What Happens If Your Ex Refuses Contact at Christmas?

If the other parent unreasonably refuses holiday contact:

• Try written communication first (polite and child-focused)

• Consider mediation

• Seek legal advice promptly

• If necessary, apply to court for enforcement or a variation

The court can enforce an existing order or put new arrangements in place. However, urgent applications should only be made when genuinely necessary.

Keeping Your Child’s Best Interests at Heart

At Christmas, it’s easy for emotions to take over but the key question should always be:

“What arrangement will give our child the happiest, least stressful Christmas?”

Tips to help keep the focus on your child:

• Avoid arguing in front of the child

• Don’t make them choose

• Keep communication respectful

• Be flexible where possible

• Ensure both households make the child feel loved and secure

Children benefit most when parents can co-operate and create a positive festive experience.

How Evalen Law Solicitors Can Help

At Evalen Law Solicitors, we advise parents every year on Christmas contact issues, from amicably adjusting arrangements to representing clients in urgent court applications.

We can assist with:

• Negotiating holiday schedules

• Mediation referrals

• Applying for or responding to Specific Issue Orders

• Enforcing Child Arrangements Orders

• Tailored legal advice on safeguarding or conflict

If you need guidance about Christmas contact or any other child arrangements matter, our family law team is here to help with clear, compassionate advice.