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Monthly Archives: December 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
 The military is so rich in customs and courtesies; it was no surprise when I started asking military spouses for their holiday tradition ideas that the ideas were bountiful! The holidays offer many times to get together with family and friends. From holiday parties to attending holiday programs at local churches or organizations there is always something to do! Here are some great ideas from fellow military spouses that they do with their families. Countdown Calendar Your countdown calendar can have a theme for example a “tree” with a new decoration to add each day. You can purchase a pre-made holiday activity calendar or use a basic one with a magic marker and stickers. The point is doing the countdown together. You could also add Read more…
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
 Do you ever wonder where the days of military tradition have gone? The days when neighbors on post greeted each other with a plate of cookies and a warm “welcome to the street”? Do you miss the days of themed dinner parties, formal Balls, or even double date nights? Our lives are busy, hectic really. We are fighting wars and juggling families as single parents. But that doesn’t mean that we have to give up the most treasured of military life traditions; the get-together. This holiday season why not add variety to life by hosting a fun get together. If you need a little inspiration I have gathered the perfect “spark”. Holiday Progressive Dinner: Have a traveling party. Appetizers are served at one house, the entrée at another, Read more…
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
 Do you have a deployed soldier on your Christmas list? There won’t be a “ho hum” holiday for your soldier with these great holiday care package ideas! I’ve captured the spirit of the season through items that relate to the sights, sounds, smells, and the tastes of the holidays. Add your own touches for a sure fire way to make your soldier’s spirit bright! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Santa hat Stuffed reindeer Christmas movie Kid’s craft – paper snowflakes Fake snow Fake tree Lights Handmade ornaments String popcorn and cranberries Tiny wrapped packages (use gum, mints, or small items to go under the tree) Advent calendar Picture book (include pictures from past Read more…
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
 Everywhere you look this time of the year there are reminders of the season: stores brimming with the latest gadgets and gifts, garland hanging from the aisles, strands of lights decorating buildings, advertisements with pictures of Santa, the smell of peppermint and cinnamon in the air, the holiday frenzy. It is nearly impossible to not notice all of the holiday hustle and bustle. When someone you love is away it can be almost too much to bear. There is no question that military families are resilient and resourceful. When you are missing your soldier joy and celebration of others can easily result in stress and depression for you. It is normal for your entire family to face some emotional challenges during the holiday season. . Let your Read more…
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The time of the year that your heart is warm with thanks as you focus on the blessings you’ve been given as the year has passed by. One of the blessings I am counting is that our military journey has afforded us an extended family that spans the globe. We have all been given the gift of friendship and I want to celebrate by saying thank you for all the wonderful memories. But I can’t help but think of how my savings account will quickly deplete if I add all of those “family members” to my gift list. I’ll be honest. I’m good at thinking outside the box. I knew that in order to save money and add meaning to the holidays I just needed to make the gifts myself. I’m semi-crafty. I can bake. Read more…
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