We are officially in the “holiday season!” I’m still not sure if I’m excited about that or not. (Where did this year GO!?!)
Being a military brat, and spending 10 years after college away from my family, this time of the year means one of two things – lots of traveling to visit family, or crashing my friends’ holiday plans.
This time of year can be difficult for anyone – but especially those separated from their loved ones. But the nice thing about being in the “military family” is that you’re never really alone. There’s always someone who’s going through the same thing, or someone who’s been there and knows exactly how it feels.
Some of the best holidays I’ve had over the last 10 years have included ones spent with friends and making our own celebration – once to even include an Italian Christmas dinner.
If you’re on your own and your spouse or honey is gone, ask friends or coworkers what their plans are and see if you can come up with something fun for everyone. One year, we went bowling on Christmas Day. Another year, Thanksgiving included a 5k run and a vicious game of Apples to Apples. Feeling generous? There are always tons of options for volunteering around the holidays.
If your spouse is home, but you aren’t traveling, consider inviting those who are alone over to your home. It was always so very touching to me when coworkers invited me over to share in their family holiday traditions. Even if they turn you down, trust me, the offer is more important than anything else.
There’s no reason to be alone this holiday season – Unless you want to be. And if you do, that’s OK, too.
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