Supporting Families of Deployed Active Duty Military Members During the Holidays

Dec 12, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited for all of the traditions and celebrations. However, for those families who have a loved one deployed on active duty during the holidays, this is a challenging time. Many grapple with feelings of sadness, disappointment, and longing for their loved ones, which can cast a shadow over all of the festivities. Luckily, there are ways for us to support these families during this difficult time.

Offering Support for Military Families

There are many different ways we as a community can help support the families of those deployed on active duty during the holiday season. Most of these activities are low to no cost and go a long way in providing support for these families.

Here are seven simple ways to help care for our military families during the holidays.

1. Express Gratitude: One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support military families during the holidays is by expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. Take the time to acknowledge their loved one’s service and the challenges they face. A simple thank-you card, a heartfelt letter, a verbal acknowledgment, or even a patriotic gift like a Real American Flag can go a long way in letting them know their efforts are seen and valued.
2. Organize Community Events: Plan community events that cater to military families during the holidays. This can include holiday gatherings, volunteer opportunities, or activities specifically designed to bring the community together. These events create a sense of belonging, which helps alleviate feelings of loneliness during the holidays.
3. Offer Practical Help: Offer practical help like holiday preparations, decorating, running errands, or providing childcare. This type of support can alleviate stress for the families left behind, allowing them to better enjoy the holiday season.
4. Create a Support Network: Establish a support group within the community for military families. An environment where military families feel comfortable expressing their emotions and concerns is incredibly helpful and important during this time. You can connect experienced military families with those facing their first holiday season without their loved ones. This type of peer support provides valuable insight and practical advice.
5. Provide Support for Children: Deployments during the holidays can be especially difficult for children. Consider organizing activities or events specifically for them like a holiday-themed craft day, a visit to Santa, or a special outing.
6. Share Resources: Help make families aware of the resources available to them like community programs, support organizations, and counseling services. This helps empower them to reach out for help if needed.
7. Extend Invitations: If military families are in your neighborhood or community, consider inviting them for holiday gatherings. This can help combat feelings of isolation and sadness during this difficult time.

By approaching support for military families during Christmas with compassion and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, we can help create a holiday season that is filled with warmth, connection, and appreciation for the families of those on active duty. These simple activities truly go a long way in making families feel supported, loved, cherished, and most importantly, seen.