As hard as it may be to believe, the holiday season is just around the corner. While you're still enjoying summer vacations and starting back-to-school shopping, retailers are already preparing for Halloween, and then Christmas decorations won't be far behind.

As the summer draws to a close, the dreaded back-to-school season begins for students everywhere. Lazy days by the pool or sleeping in give way to the hectic schedule of dropoffs, pickups, extracurriculars, and, occasionally, studying and homework. For divorced parents or parents sharing custody of their children with the other parent, this seismic shift in schedule can become a visitation nightmare, especially as kids get older. Planning for the school year in advance can solve a multitude of parental headaches before they become a semester of pain.

The holiday season brings joy and festivities, but shared custody arrangements can make scheduling stressful for families. With some preparation, you can create a joyful and smooth experience for everyone. Here's a helpful holiday custody arrangement checklist to make this season cheerful, simple, and enjoyable!