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.
If you’re facing a deployment during the holidays, which may also be compounded by 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.
1) Skip the gifts this year.
What? (I heard that gasp.) Perhaps this is the year to think outside the box, literally, and decide on one collective family gift. Consider tickets to an event you wouldn’t normally go to or plan a fun family trip to look forward to when the military member returns home.
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2) Give to someone else.
Maybe you don’t need or want any gifts this year or you just can't bring yourself to face holiday shopping, even if it's only 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!
If you’re stationed overseas, embrace the different-to-you celebrations in your area and experience the holidays in a whole new way.
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4) Focus on quality time.
For all of us, this may be the year to accumulate experiences rather than piles of more stuff. Some simple ideas:
- 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.
- 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!
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5) Look outward.
Drop off goodies or cards to other deployed spouses, elderly neighbors, or the local nursing home. Likewise, holiday yummies or handmade cards may be appreciated by those working during the typical "off" days, like the military installation’s security forces, gate guards, firefighters, and others.
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6) Create new memories.
If you’re currently going through a deployment or long separation from your spouse, it may feel important to keep some of your regular traditions for everyone’s sake. But maybe it’s time to add a new twist? Decide to spend the day in pajamas or get takeout for Christmas dinner, rather than preparing a large meal yourself. Then reward yourself with a long winter’s nap!
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7) Give yourself permission to handle the holidays how you choose...without apology.
Whatever you decide to do or not do, remember that the holidays during deployment are stressful and sad. Don't add to the burden by placing unrealistic expectations on yourself. Next year's holiday season will roll around again before you know it!
While you may be feeling more Grinch-like than festive these days, approaching the holidays creatively can help make the holidays less of a time to slog through so you can get past them and instead become a surprising time of creating new memories.
We wish you the best holiday season, wherever your military family is stationed!