I hate when my husband is deployed during the holidays. After all, the holidays are a time when you should be together as a family. But it's not always the case when you're married to someone in the military. I have spent many holidays away from my husband. Is it tough? Absolutely. But is it manageable? Yup.
Here are some of the ways I got through it (and will be getting through it again!)
1. Set up FaceTime calls if you can. Obviously when a soldier is deployed, they can't always talk. But when they can, open presents together. Show off the holiday decor you put up on your own.
2. Send a Christmas box with presents you can watch them unwrap. What should you send? Well, I usually send fun holiday treats. The Target dollar spot has a lot of cheap ideas. I also sent t-shirts and food items.
3. Watch Holiday movies as a family. Maybe even the deployed soldier will want to join in, though it can get tricky if the service isn't that great. We've never done it because we find it strange, but I'll watch with my kids. I don't stop our traditions just because my husband isn't around.
4. Send cards. I've sent my husband several cards to help cheer him up. I know it's tough being far away from your family. Sure texts are nice, but a card is something they can hold onto.
5. Ask friends and family for help if you need it. It might be tempting to do everything on your own, but if you have a support system, reach out to them. You can't do everything on your own even if you feel you can. Everyone needs a break once in a while.
It's difficult when your partner is away during the holidays. But you'll get through it. There will be holidays where you'll be with your spouse again. I promise.
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I remember spending many holidays without my dad while he was deployed when I was little. Then I watched my brother deploy and be gone during the holidays. Being a military family, you learn how to cope. Its hard. Love your tips. Hugs for you and your family during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful tips. I know it must be hard to be away from your husband during the holidays. HUgs.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. We Face Time my son a lot now that he's in the Army. He's not deployed, but he might as well be. He's stationed several states away and we're quarantining.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a tough time for sure. I have 2 sons who are overseas right now so I understand
ReplyDeleteIt is the hardest to be deployed during holidays!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even begin to imagine! How strong you must be!
ReplyDeleteEven though I'm not in that situation,I still loved your article.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips.. I love setting up Face Time calls with my friend every holiday. Gosh I miss her so much
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post, it must be so hard during the holidays!
ReplyDeleteThis is what I did back when my husband and I are still in a long distance relationship. Setting a schedule to communicate definitely helps and we love surprising each other with gifts as well. Sending you virtual hug <3
ReplyDeleteI don't know what this is like but my heart goes out to you. It's got to be so tough to be away from each other during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how hard it is to spend the holidays apart, especially when you know it might be a routine thing! These tips seem like such a great way to stay connected.
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips for anyone in the Military. Coming from a military family, I know how hard it can be around the holidays.
ReplyDeletei don't know how it feel and will never know but I do hope it will go as smoothly as humanly possible
ReplyDeleteThose a great tips for military families, it must be so hard to be apart of the loved ones for the holidays
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips and some are applicable for people who are separated by the pandemic. Our oldest daughter won't be home for the holidays, I can use some of these ideas to help us feel closer!
ReplyDeleteugh!!! Worst time for deployment!!! Great tips for military families.
ReplyDeleteDeployment during Christmas holidays must be really hard! I guess your tips may help a lot! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are some wonderful tips. I'm sure these tips are going to help many others. I can only imagine how hard it can get during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to you and your family. It such a hard time for you all. I'm sure other military families will find your tips helpful.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how difficult it would be to have a family member deployed anytime, but especially during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips and thank goodness for Facetime, skype and all the other options. Sounds like you know what to expect and how to best prepare. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks to technology, face time and scheduling video calls is a lot easier this times.
ReplyDelete