The American Automobile Association estimates that 55.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for family togetherness, delicious food, and bonding, it can also bring added complexity and emotions for separated or divorced parents. Balancing time between two homes and families during the holiday can be challenging, especially when conflicting schedules and plans come into play. To help ease the stress and ensure a more harmonious holiday, here are a few tips to help make Thanksgiving a time everyone can be thankful for.

Co-parenting during Thanksgiving and other holidays can be managed in various ways to ensure parents, children, and extended family enjoy quality time together. Some families alternate Thanksgiving each year, where one parent hosts in even years and the other in odd years, allowing each to fully celebrate without splitting up the day itself. If geography allows, some families do choose to split the holiday, with the child spending part of the day at each home—having dinner with one parent and dessert with the other. For families seeking flexibility, celebrating an “alternate Thanksgiving” on a different day can create unique traditions that work for everyone. When distance is a factor, virtual visits through FaceTime or Zoom allow children to share moments and stay connected with the other parent. Extended family gatherings enable parents and children to celebrate together in some amicable arrangements, providing stability and the joy of having all loved ones in one place. With thoughtful planning, these options can help make Thanksgiving memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.