For many blended families, separated parents and extended family carers, agreeing Christmas and New Year child arrangements can be emotionally difficult. The festive season often brings heightened expectations, family traditions and practical challenges and for families sharing the care of children, it is common for tensions to rise.

Christmas should be a time for children to feel settled, supported, and able to enjoy the celebrations. That’s why we always recommend discussing contact arrangements well in advance, especially where two households, stepparents or blended siblings are involved.

How Blended Families Typically Arrange Christmas Contact

Every family is different, and there is no single “right” way to arrange Christmas contact. However, in our experience:

  • Many families choose to alternate Christmas Day and Boxing Day each year.
  • Others split the festive period, such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning with one parent and Christmas Day afternoon with the other.
  • Blended families often create bespoke arrangements that accommodate step-siblings, travel and wider family gatherings.

The Court usually orders an alternating pattern if parents cannot agree, but for families who can communicate constructively, creative arrangements are absolutely fine as long as the children’s needs come first.

The same applies to New Year contact, with many families sharing New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day or alternating annually.

When Parents Can’t Agree Christmas Contact

Where there is an informal arrangement in place, parents are free to agree the festive plans between themselves. But disagreements are common at this time of year, especially where:

  • Families are newly separated
  • A stepparent or new partner is involved
  • There are step-siblings with different schedules
  • One parent wants to travel
  • There have been changes to routine or communication has broken down

If discussions become difficult, a family solicitor can help you negotiate arrangements constructively while keeping the focus on the children.

Is Mediation an Option?

Yes. If parents or carers cannot agree, family mediation can be an effective next step. A trained, independent mediator can help you:

  • Explore different options
  • Improve communication
  • Identify arrangements that work for both households
  • Focus on the children’s wishes and welfare

You can find a mediator through the Family Mediation Council: www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk

When Court Applications Are Necessary

If you still cannot reach an agreement, even with mediation or solicitor support, you may need to make an application to the Family Court.
However:

  • Court applications for Christmas contact should be made as early as possible
  • The Family Court faces significant delays
  • Christmas contact disputes are rarely treated as urgent
  • Courts may close over the Christmas period

Our specialist family lawyers can help you prepare your application, guide you through the process and support you at every stage.

If a Court Order already exists, holiday arrangements may already be included. Where they are not, parents must follow the terms of the existing Order, unless they can agree otherwise.

Why Early Planning Matters for Blended Families

For blended families, where children may move between households with stepsiblings, half-siblings or new partners: early communication is essential.

Planning ahead helps reduce conflict, avoids last-minute anxiety for children, and ensures everyone knows what to expect.

We recommend:

  • Starting discussions as early as possible
  • Keeping communication calm and child-focused
  • Being flexible where possible
  • Considering everyone involved in the blended family dynamic
  • Seeking advice early if disagreements arise

Need Advice? Our Family Team Is Here to Help

If you are struggling to agree Christmas contact, New Year arrangements, or general child arrangements within a blended family, our experienced Family Team can help you find a practical and child-focused solution.

Our specialist family lawyers can review your specific circumstances, and we recommend obtaining advice at the earliest opportunity.

We offer a free exploratory call so that we can match your specific needs with the right person in our family team.

For more information or to arrange an appointment with a member of our Family Team, please contact us on 01206 764477.

The team can offer advice at one of our offices in Colchester, Chelmsford,  Frinton-on-Sea, Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds, or by telephone or video appointment.

We are also proud to support Blue Light members and offer a discount on our initial fixed fee meeting.