Shared Child Custody During the Holidays The holidays are supposed to be a fun, festive, and happy time of year. Children especially look forward to Christmas with all the activities, food and toys. And, from my perspective, Christmas should be a magical experience for children. However, for families navigating through the complexities of shared custody, it often ends up being a time of sadness, stress, and emotional challenges. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, and in my many years working in the publich child welfare system, I've witnessed many of the unique dynamics and feelings that come into play during the holidays. Understanding the Impact Shared custody arrangements require a delicate balance on a normal balance, and moreso during the holidays. Pehaps this is your first year of share custody and you're not sure how to best manage the holiday season. There is a need for effective communication and cooperation between the parents. This is where is gets tough,