Guest Author - Sarah Fierro

When my brother and sister were growing up as part of a constantly traveling military family, the holiday season put a major stress on their imaginations. If we weren’t in the same house as last year, how would Santa know where to bring the presents? If Dad wasn’t home, who would set up the Christmas tree? Who would climb the ladder to get the lights on the roof? Easing these fears before questions about reindeer in military air space can be a test of parental patience, but there are some simple ways to keep your family’s minds off of their worries this season.

• Take a family trip to see Santa, weeks before the holiday arrives. He is usually at your local mall, or even some base exchanges allow Santa to vacation on their property for a few weeks. Consistent annual visits with Santa, no matter what base you are at that December, will let your little ones know he is everywhere you will move. Pictures with Santa make great Christmas gifts for grandparents too!



• Put up the Christmas tree early. This leaves room for you to do it in pieces. If your family uses a real tree and Dad is deployed, have a friend come to the lot with you so you can get it safely on the roof of the car. Buying a fake tree might be something to consider. It can save you a search for a tree lot if you get moved often, and putting it together can become an all day family tradition. Some people find it easier to build a tree than take care of a live one! Get the family together to decorate your tree. Ornaments from places you have spent Christmas before can be a fun way to recall memories.



• Spend some time thinking about your Christmas decorations before its time to put them up. Many military bases have rules about how many lights you can put up, or where you can hang them. The base housing office should have information about approved decorations. These rules conserve energy with so many houses in one area and may be set to agree with fire regulations, so try to abide by them carefully. Remember, if you are working alone, don’t overextend yourself. The children will be just as happy with a lighted snowman in the yard or wreaths in the windows as icicles all over the house. Hang garland around the windows or dress up the front door like a present to make up for the lighting rules on base or you fear of heights!



• If one parent will be deployed during the holidays, arrange ahead of time for them to be involved. Don’t sign the gift labels for them. Instead, have them fill labels out beforehand. Arrange a Christmas morning phone call or webcam conference to surprise the kids. Purchasing gifts before a deployment can be difficult with the short time frame service members can be given. Some easier options that will be just as fun are allowing the deployed parent to order online or buy gifts overseas. A box in the mail full of presents will brighten your children’s holiday and remind them the deployed parent is thinking of them too! Don’t forget to return the favor by getting a care package together or having the kids hand-make Christmas cards.