Victoria Day Holiday Schedules for Divorced Parents

Victoria Day is observed on the last Monday before May 25. The holiday honours the life and legacy of Queen Victoria, who served as the queen of the United Kingdom from 1836 until her death in 1901. For many, the holiday marks the beginning of the summer season.

On the same day, in Québec, they celebrate a different holiday: Journée nationale des patriotes (National Patriots Day).

Schools and government offices are closed on Victoria Day and National Patriots Day. Many places of business close as well.

If you're a divorced parent, it's a good idea to plan where the children will spend the holiday to avoid disagreements. You may choose to depart from your regular parenting schedule or follow it as is.

Alternate yearly

A common arrangement ordered by courts — or agreed to by parents — is to alternate who gets what holiday every year. If you choose this option, one parent would have Victoria Day in years that end in an even number, while the other would have the holiday in years that end in an odd number.

Split the day

To give both parents time to spend with the kids, split the day in half. One parent could have the kids from morning to afternoon, while the other has them from afternoon to evening.

Split the long weekend

Start your holiday schedule after the kids get out of school on Friday and end in time for them to get to school Tuesday morning.

Follow your regular schedule

A simple solution is to allow the children to stay with the parent who would typically have that day.

Celebrate together

Many cities have Victoria Day parades. Going to a public event allows divorced parents to spend time with their kids together without the possible awkwardness of meeting at their ex's home. This is especially helpful for parents who don't get along super well.

The easiest way to make a holiday visitation schedule

There's a lot to think about when you build a holiday schedule. You'll want it to address weekend and midweek holidays, reflect special occasions unique to your family (like birthdays) and work for years to come.

The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Just open your Custody X Change calendar and follow our steps to make a holiday schedule.

To make a custody schedule quickly and affordably, turn to Custody X Change. You'll get written and visual versions that meet your family's needs, as well as court standards.