Who Gets the Turkey? Navigating Holiday Custody and Parenting Time in Georgia

by Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys

For many families, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a joyful (and sometimes chaotic) holiday season. But for co-parents, it can also bring an entirely different question to the table: Who gets the turkey this year?

Holiday parenting schedules don’t have to feel like a seasonal tug-of-war. With a little planning — and a clear understanding of Georgia custody law — families can create a holiday schedule that protects stability for the children while minimizing stress for the adults.

Below is a helpful breakdown of how holiday parenting time typically works in Georgia, and what co-parents should keep in mind as Thanksgiving approaches.

How Georgia Courts Approach Holiday Parenting Time

In Georgia, parenting time for holidays like Thanksgiving is typically addressed in one of two places:

1. The Permanent Parenting Plan (required in every custody case), or

2. A Temporary Parenting Plan if the case is still pending.

Parenting plans often include specific holiday provisions that override the regular weekly schedule. This ensures the children know where they’ll be during major holidays, and reduces last-minute confusion.

Courts prioritize one thing above all else: the best interests of the child. This includes emotional stability, meaningful time with each parent, and maintaining family traditions when possible.

Typical Thanksgiving Custody Arrangements

No two families are alike, but the most common Thanksgiving schedules include:

1. Alternating Years

   One parent has Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, the other in odd-numbered years.This ensures both parents get meaningful holiday time without constant renegotiation.

2. Split Holiday (Not Always Ideal)

   One parent may have the morning of Thanksgiving, and the other has the evening or next day.This can work for families who live close to each other, but it may create unnecessary stress when travel or long drives are involved.

3. Extended Holiday Time

   Thanksgiving may be treated as a long weekend — with one parent having the child from Wednesday after school through Sunday.This option is popular when travel or large family gatherings are part of the tradition.

4. Custom Family Traditions

   Some families prefer to focus on the holiday spirit rather than the calendar.For example, one parent may consistently host a Friday “Friendsgiving,” while the other always does Thursday dinner.

Tips for Co-Parents Navigating Thanksgiving

• Plan Early

  Last-minute scheduling leads to confusion and conflict. Revisit your Parenting Plan each year well before the holiday season begins.

• Be Realistic About Travel

  Georgia holiday traffic is legendary. If shuttling the children back and forth will cause more stress than joy, consider alternating years rather than splitting the day.

• Honor Family Traditions

  Children thrive on predictability. If one parent’s extended family hosts a major Thanksgiving event each year, it may make sense to structure the plan around it.

• Put It in Writing

  Even if you agree verbally, confirm the holiday schedule in writing. Parenting Plans are only as effective as the clarity they provide.

• Focus on the Child’s Experience — Not the Holiday Competition

  Your children will remember the warmth of the holiday, not the date on the calendar.

  
  

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Sometimes, disagreements arise — especially in years when emotions run high. If your Parenting Plan is outdated, unclear, or no longer reflects your family’s reality, it may need to be modified through the court.

In Georgia, modifying a custody or parenting time order requires:

• A material change affecting the child’s best interests, and

• A proposed modification that improves stability or meets the child’s needs.

If your holiday schedule consistently leads to conflict, that may signal the need for a legal update.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and connection. With a thoughtful parenting plan and a little flexibility, both parents can enjoy a meaningful holiday — and children can feel secure, loved, and centered throughout the season.

If you need help reviewing, negotiating, or modifying your holiday custody schedule, Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys can guide you through your options under Georgia law. Schedule a consultation today or, call 404-446-2932.