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What You Need to Do When You Are Overseas for the Holidays

December 9, 2019 by Wayne Everhart Leave a Comment

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What You Need to Do When You Are Overseas for the Holidays

 

For military families the chance to live overseas can be an exciting opportunity, but during the holidays the distance might mean you can’t celebrate with your extended family. It is important to remember that while you are not able to celebrate in the ways you are used to, you can enjoy the holidays with your new community abroad and start new traditions your family can bring back home. 

To create a warm holiday feeling while you’re stationed overseas and living amongst a new culture, plan ahead and open yourself up to celebrating in new ways with new people. 

Bring a Holiday Keepsake with you From Home

Bring some of your favorite ornaments or keepsakes that you use every holiday season. Put out decorations and family photos that remind you of the holidays at home with your family. 

Shop Early

Ordering holiday gifts and supplies may take longer than expected. Make sure you begin your holiday gift buying in mid-October. Check with the postal center or U.S. embassy in your host country to find out about any delivery restrictions. 

Make Your Own Tree

Buy a shrub or something native to your current climate and dress it up. Or make your own tree out of felt, wire or other creative materials. Decorate with your special ornaments or buy new ones from a local shop that will serve as keepsakes from your time in a foreign country. 

Create Your Special Holiday Meal and Share with Others

Make the meal you are used to enjoying over the holidays back at home. Prepare to improvise if you are in a country with different ingredients. Invite other military families stationed with you and make new memories together. After all, you are all away from family during the holidays. Reach out. Organize an annual Christmas or Hanukkah party, celebrate with new friends in the local community or support local charities to help people with special needs. 

Learn About Holiday Traditions in Your Host Country

Check your installation for programs and local traditions or search the internet for resources about holiday celebrations in your host country. Try to embrace the new culture and enjoy their version of the holidays you love. 

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Celibrating the Holidays During Deployment, Deployment During the Holidays, Military Families and the Holidays

Important Tips for Military Families Struggling During the Holidays

December 2, 2019 by Wayne Everhart Leave a Comment

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Important Tips for Military Families Struggling During the Holidays

 

The holidays can be a difficult time for families, especially military families. Parties, out of town relatives visiting, and dinner celebrations can make this time of year a bit harder to manage. Add in alcohol, PTSD or issues with transitioning into civilian life and it is a recipe for disaster for not only the service member but the entire family. Military spouses share the stress of the holidays and often find themselves arguing with their spouse over trivial things. Here are some important tips for military families struggling during the holidays.

 

Strive for progress, not perfection. 

Do not set false expectations about the holidays. Real life is not perfect, and comparison will ruin any good holiday cheer. It is important to remember that progress is the goal and some days, progress will stall. That is okay. Strive to move forward at a realistic pace. 

 

Seek care early. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Talk with your spouse about what care looks like and the possibility of getting help for mental, physical and emotional issues. Letting internal issues fester only creates lasting obstacles to overcome. 

 

Ask for help when needed. There is NO shame in asking for help. Military spouses and children often suffer from higher levels of anxiety than civilians and can easily find counselors to help through the Military Health System or on-base counselling. 

 

As the holidays approach and you get ready to gather with family, friends and loved ones, prepare yourself for situations that might be uncomfortable. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Military and Holiday Stress, Military and the Holidays, Military Families and the Holidays

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