GRATEFUL FROM AFAR: TIPS FOR FAMILIES SEPARATED DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season typically kicks off sometime between rushing to defrost the turkey you swore was coming along just fine and passing your favorite side to a loved one. Thanksgiving is a great celebration but for many military families, their table is missing a face at the table. On the other side of that is a service member defending our nation but unable to be at home for the holidays. A military Thanksgiving may look differently because of separation but we’re bringing tips to help families make the most of their time apart.

Military Thanksgiving Tips for Deployed Troops

Service means sacrifice, and the way the military celebrates Thanksgiving while separated from their family members is a prime example.

We can get a lot of things back but time isn’t one of them, yet when duty calls, troops take the time to give of themselves and their families to defend our nation.

This can lead to all sorts of negative feelings, including isolation and loneliness, however, there are ways to combat these mental health obstacles.

Thanksgiving for the military may look different if you’re deployed or away from your family for any reason. Here’s how to make the best of your holiday and connect with loved ones:

Friendsgiving

Getting together with people in your unit, friends you’ve met, or just people who would otherwise be alone during the holidays is a great way to enjoy the company of others—plus, everyone can pitch in and make cooking and cleaning a lot easier.

Even if you’re a loner, taking a portion of your day to reconnect with others and give thanks can prove beneficial when you can’t make it home.

It doesn’t have to be an elaborate party or anything serious, simply getting together and breaking bread is all you need.

So, if you want to go for the traditional full Thanksgiving spread with turkey, a ton of sides, and all the fixings, then assign a dish to each friend and come together for a dinner unlike any other.

On the other hand, inviting a friend or two over and simply grilling a burger while you watch football or a movie doesn’t sound so bad either.

Take Advantage of Technology

Thankfully, we have more ways than ever to reconnect with loved ones even when we can’t be there in person.

From social media shoutouts, to video calls, to text messages, and phone calls, you can connect using tech to send positive messages to loved ones even when you can’t do so in real life.

The key here isn’t just being able to speak to or see loved ones but taking the time to do so shows them that you’re thinking of them and care.

Celebrating a military Thanksgiving is made much better when you can speak to and see loved ones. Use technology to your advantage and make the time to reconnect.

Start Something New

When your regular routine is disrupted, finding another one can be a challenge; however, this is an opportunity, particularly during the holidays.

Serving in the military for Thanksgiving may have you away from loved ones what you can do, is start a new tradition that you bring with you wherever you might go.

This means, that if you’re separated again in the future, you’ll already have something to look forward to, or if you’re back home with your loved ones, then you have something new to share.

It can be something simple, such as enjoying an unusual snack after a meal, breaking open a special bottle of wine, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or playing ball before you eat…whatever you’re into, run with it and create a new tradition to enjoy for years to come.

Military Thanksgiving Tips for Loved Ones at Home

Service members facing a holiday separation is only one side of the coin. Loved ones back home continue celebrating but the fact that not everyone is there can weigh on people’s spirits.

Still, even when you can’t physically be there with your loved ones, there are things you can do to include them in your Thanksgiving celebration:

Tech Works Both Ways

Just like service members have the option to use their phones, computers, and devices to connect virtually, it’s important to connect with your loved ones throughout the day.

Sending pictures, hosting a video call, or sending well wishes are great ways to speak to your loved ones while making them feel included in the activities.

Small gestures add up and making someone feel seen and loved is important every day, especially during the holidays.

Salute Your Troop

It may be a symbolic place setting, it could be a toast, perhaps a post on social media, or a combination of them all.

Whatever you do, a great way to include military members during Thanksgiving is to pay tribute to them when they’re not there.

Many of the reasons Americans have to be thankful are largely due to the service of our military members.

Having a way to honor military members on Thanksgiving is a great way to show appreciation and keep their spirits close even when they are not.

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