For military families, celebrating Christmas often means being apart from loved ones due to deployments, relocations, and the unique lifestyle that comes with serving in the armed forces. However, with creativity and a few special touches, military families can still create meaningful holiday memories, even when miles apart from extended family. Here are some unique ways to celebrate the season, stay connected with loved ones, and create cherished memories.
1. Virtual Gatherings with a Festive Twist
Virtual gatherings have become more common, but you can add a holiday twist to make them feel festive and personal.
- Holiday Themed Video Calls: Set up regular video calls during December with a different theme each time—such as “Ugly Sweater Party,” “Christmas Karaoke,” or “Holiday Cookie Decorating.” This gives everyone a chance to share in holiday traditions, no matter where they are.
- Christmas Movie Watch Party: Many streaming platforms now offer a “watch party” feature, allowing you to watch holiday movies together with extended family virtually. Choose family favorites, grab some popcorn, and have a night in—together, yet apart.
- Virtual Gift Unwrapping Session: On Christmas morning or Christmas Eve, host a virtual gathering where everyone can open gifts together. This can bring everyone closer, allowing both kids and adults to share in the joy of gift-giving and surprises.
2. Send Holiday Care Packages with Personalized Touches
Sending holiday packages filled with meaningful items can be a wonderful way to stay connected.
- Handmade Ornaments: Create ornaments as a family and mail them to extended family members. These ornaments can be symbolic—such as stars, hearts, or service-themed shapes—and serve as a reminder of the family bond.
- Memory-Filled Christmas Cards: Have each family member write personal messages or create small drawings on Christmas cards, sharing favorite memories or holiday wishes. Even if you’re apart, these heartfelt messages can bridge the miles.
- Customized Family Cookbook: Gather favorite family recipes and create a small cookbook to send out. Each person in the family can contribute a favorite dish, along with a short story or reason why it’s meaningful. This can make everyone feel closer when they’re cooking the same recipes during the holiday season.
3. Create New Traditions that Adapt to Military Life
Flexibility is key for military families, so creating new, adaptable traditions can help keep Christmas meaningful.
- “12 Days of Christmas” Countdown: Start a countdown where each day, a family member gets to choose a small holiday activity. These could be anything from baking cookies, crafting, watching a holiday movie, or writing letters to extended family. This is especially fun for children and can keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the season.
- Holiday Scrapbook or Video Diary: Create a holiday scrapbook filled with photos, notes, and mementos from each Christmas season. Alternatively, make a family video diary, capturing each person’s thoughts, favorite Christmas memories, or holiday activities. Send copies to extended family members as a way to share your holiday with them.
- “Service Ornaments” for the Tree: Recognize each family member’s sacrifices by creating “service ornaments” for the Christmas tree. Use small keepsakes or mementos that represent each person’s role in the family and their contributions, big or small. This can include photos, dog tags, small toys, or notes of appreciation.
4. Plan for a Future Holiday Reunion
If being together this year isn’t possible, plan ahead for future holidays where everyone can be reunited.
- “Christmas in July” Gathering: Arrange a reunion during a time when the family is likely to be together, like the summer. Celebrate a belated or early Christmas with all the holiday traditions—exchange gifts, cook a festive meal, and decorate with Christmas lights and ornaments. Military life often requires adjusting the calendar, and “Christmas in July” can be a meaningful substitute.
- Create a Family Travel Fund: Set up a family travel fund and invite family members to contribute throughout the year. The goal can be to help military members visit home or for extended family to travel and visit the military family during a future holiday season. This fund creates something to look forward to and strengthens the family bond.
5. Share Holiday Traditions from Different Cultures
Military families often have the unique opportunity to experience different cultures due to relocations. Embrace these experiences by sharing and incorporating new traditions.
- Incorporate Local Customs: If stationed abroad or in a different part of the country, learn about and participate in local Christmas customs. Share these experiences through photos or virtual calls with family back home. It can be a special way to bond and introduce loved ones to new traditions.
- Holiday Potluck from Around the World: If other military families are in your area, host a holiday potluck where each family brings a dish from their hometown or a country they’ve been stationed in. This is a fun, social way to celebrate and connect with other families while appreciating the diversity in the military community.
- Military-Themed Holiday Crafts with Kids: Get children involved by crafting items that reflect the family’s unique experiences. For example, make holiday decorations representing each location the family has been stationed in, such as “snowflakes from Germany” or “sunset ornaments from Hawaii.”
Celebrating Christmas as a military family can require extra creativity and flexibility, but it also offers an opportunity to create deeply meaningful memories that extend beyond the miles. From virtual gatherings to planning for future reunions, there are many ways to stay connected with loved ones during the holiday season. The shared experiences, new traditions, and cherished family time can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories that bring warmth, love, and joy—even when you’re apart.
If you’re a military family or have loved ones in the armed forces, embrace these ideas and make this Christmas season as special and connected as possible. Start a new tradition, plan a virtual celebration, or reach out to loved ones to share the joy of the season. After all, the heart of Christmas lies in the love and connection we share with those who matter most. Wishing all military families a joyful, peaceful, and memorable holiday season!