Being away from extended family during the holidays is hard—especially when your spouse is deployed or your PCS orders have you far from home. But just because you’re not with family this year doesn’t mean you can’t create special, lasting memories. Whether you’re living on a military base or settling into a new home, here are five ways to keep holiday traditions alive and meaningful for your military family.
Virtual Holiday Gatherings
If your spouse is deployed or stationed far away, you can still include them in your family traditions with technology. Set up a virtual dinner date or play games over Zoom or Skype. Share your holiday moments live so they can be part of the magic, even from a distance.
Pro Tip: Plan a “family FaceTime” for Christmas morning or Thanksgiving dinner to ensure your spouse doesn’t miss out on family moments.
Start Your Own Family Traditions
Even if you’re far from home, create new traditions that are unique to your military family. Whether it’s a special holiday breakfast, a family movie night, or a DIY gift exchange, make traditions that are tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Pro Tip: Create a “family holiday book” to document your new traditions. Write down how you spent each holiday, and add pictures or mementos to it each year.
Care Packages for Your Spouse
If your spouse is deployed, send them a care package filled with their favorite holiday treats and memories from home. Include letters, small gifts, and anything that will remind them they’re not forgotten. It’s a sweet way to stay connected, even when you’re apart.
Pro Tip: Include a small family photo with a note, so your spouse feels part of the holiday spirit, even if they’re miles away.
DIY Holiday Decorations
If you’re on a tight budget or simply want to get creative, make your own holiday decorations. DIY ornaments, wreaths, or garlands can become a family tradition. They’ll add a personal touch and give you something to look forward to as a family.
Pro Tip: Make ornaments from old military uniform fabric or create a scrapbook-style ornament for each year of deployment.
Post-Holiday Celebrations
Don’t let the distance or deployment keep you from celebrating. Plan a “post-holiday” celebration for when your spouse comes home. That way, you can make memories as a family once everyone is back together. It’s a great way to make up for the time apart.
Pro Tip: Send out “Save the Date” cards for a belated holiday party to make the wait a little easier.
Creating Traditions, Near or Far
Creating and maintaining holiday traditions, even when far from home or separated from your spouse, can keep the holiday spirit alive. It’s about the memories, not the location, and with a little creativity, your military family can build traditions that last for years to come.
Whether near or far, let’s create lasting traditions together!
