As I write this, Christmas jingles are playing on TV commercials, the town center nearby has its holiday decorations up, and I’m sure someone (not me!) already has their holiday cards addressed and stamped--maybe even mailed.
Feeling the holiday spirit yet? If so, great!
But for some military spouses, the upcoming holiday season may not bring thoughts of joy this year. During my husband's last deployment, I often expressed the wish that I could pull the covers over my head in November and wake back up in January so I could simply skip all the trappings of the holiday season and feigned interest when my heart wasn't really in it.
And this year? COVID. Enough said. The pandemic has made the already lonely time of deployment even lonelier, with the isolation from normal activities and friends. If you’re facing a deployment during the holidays, coupled with distance from extended family or living in another country, consider some alternative ways of celebrating Christmas...and maybe you'll find a little bit of that holiday spirit.
7 Ways Military Spouses Can Face the Holidays Alone During Deployment
1) Skip the gifts this year.
2) Give to someone else.
Maybe you don’t need or want any gifts this year or just can't bring yourself to face holiday shopping, even if it's just online. Consider giving to a military oriented organization such as the USO or a local organization. Giving back can help you feel like you’re making a true difference in other people’s lives.
3) Living overseas? Go local!
4) Focus on quality time.
- Combat the dark winter days by watching a sunrise together, coupled with a mug of your favorite hot beverage.
- Surprise your kids with an ultra movie marathon of their favorite holiday movies.
- Gift everyone a new book and spend a quiet day reading.
- If you’re recently moved, host a cookie exchange with your new neighbors--socially distanced goodies, anyone?
- Load up the kids, dog, and hot cocoa in the car on Christmas Eve and take a drive to look at lights, as this will likely be the day they’re at their brightest!
5) Look outward.
6) Create new memories.
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7) Give yourself permission to handle the holidays how you choose...without apology.
