If you're like most parents, splitting up with your spouse isn't nearly as difficult as having to share the time you have with your kids — particularly when it comes to the holidays.

You have a few different options when it comes time to establish a custody and visitation schedule for the holidays.

Fixed holiday visitation

In this visitation model, parents agree to celebrate the same holidays each year with their children. This is sometimes the best solution if parents are raising their children in dual faiths and the holidays they celebrate don't overlap too much. For example, the kids may spend major Jewish holidays with one parent and major Christian holidays with the other.

Split the holidays in half

Sometimes parents are comfortable with splitting the major holidays in half. This tends to work best when parents live near each other and are willing to cooperate. Typically, for example, the children would spend Christmas morning with one parent and Christmas evening with the other.

Alternate the holidays

Some parents feel like this is the fairest (and easiest) method of dividing up the holidays. The children rotate which holidays they spend with each parent by the year. If, for example, you have the kids for Thanksgiving this year, your co-parent will have them for Thanksgiving next year.

Share the holidays

If you and your co-parent have managed to carve out a cooperative and friendly relationship following your split, you may consider teaming up and sharing the holidays. For example, you can both walk your kids around on Trick-or-Treat night and host a shared Thanksgiving.

No parent wants to miss out on special times (or the chance to make special memories) with their children. Finding a holiday custody schedule that meets your family's unique needs is often easier to do with some experienced help.