Can you AAR the Holidays from a military standpoint?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:07:37 -0500

Halloween is over. Now it seems like the calendar speeds up through the end of the year.

As a military servicemember, can you offer some sustains and some improves - an AAR, about living through the holidays? Can you offer tips to help military families make it through this period?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Nov 12 at 2015 8:11 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:11:32 -0500

How can I retain my sanity?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Nov 12 at 2015 8:15 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:15:48 -0500

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Nov 12 at 2015 8:16 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:16:08 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 8:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:33:30 -0500

Stop trying to be Superman/Superwoman, don't let being unable to be with your family be your focus, you can send a package home (kids love foreign currency), spouses enjoy pictures of you, a special Christmas letter sent home, families at home can do the same send pictures of places your deployed soldier likes to spend time, volunteer for extra duty (as crazy as this sounds it will help keep you from dwelling on negative things), if a spouse is at home they should be encouraged to go out and enjoy the lights, caroling groups, ...., start a caroling group with your deployed buddies (it will cheer you up and them creating a better environment), send your soldier craft projects the kids have done, encourage your non deployed spouse to make travel plans and be with family (ask for pictures/a photo journal), don't sweat the small stuff, be involved in discussing gifts for the kids/family so you're staying connected and don't forget to enjoy the people you are with. CH (MAJ) William Beaver

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 9:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:07:01 -0500

If it wasn't for my kids, I probably wouldn't celebrate the holidays at all. Too many bad things have happened to me during the season to look at them favorably; all of the merriment actually has the opposite effect on me. I wish that wasn't true, because I used to enjoy the season very much. Now it seems like I sit at the table and it is hard to not see who isn't there anymore.

Sorry to be such a downer.
I grit my teeth and get through it, and make it as fun as I can for the kids.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Nov 12 at 2015 5:16 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:16:35 -0500

Is it me, or does the second picture look like SGT Ben Keen ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 3:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 15:10:49 -0500

Merry Christmas to you and all of yours CH (MAJ) William Beaver