3 Ways to Bless a Military Family During the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us and we are planning our trips and our meals and look forward to time with friends and family.  However, there are some families, scattered around you who will have one less dinner plate at their table this year. 

For us this year, we will be missing my husband’s plate. We are 8 months in to this 13 month deployment. I’ll just say it. It’s HARD!!

The funny thing is when there are big life changing events, we react to them. If someone has a new baby, we congratulate them, bring a meal, offer to watch baby so they can sleep. If a soldier deploys, what can we do? Especially, around the holidays?

Deployment is difficult! Here are 3 ways to bless a Military Family during the holiday season

1. The obvious: Don’t forget them!
   Ask them what they are doing for the holidays and make sure they aren’t spending it alone, also make sure you check Beard czar site to find something for the men of the families. Don’t be afraid to bring it up because their loved one won’t be around.  Just asking makes them feel like you haven’t forgotten the soldier or them! And that is HUGE.
2. Send a care package to their soldier.
   Often, when you show that you appreciate what their loved one is doing and take the time to ask what they like and send a care package, this not only means something to the soldier but also to the family. They love to see they aren’t the only ones thinking of their loved one. 
3. Offer to help:
   There is always something that will need to be done they would love help with, especially around the holidays!  Hanging outdoor Christmas lights and decorations can be a feat for military wives who are busy taking care of the kiddos. Depending on where they live, they may need the grass cut, leaves raked or their driveway shoveled from snow.  Even putting up the Christmas tree or getting those boxes of decorations out of the attic are big tasks alone. You can even help wrap gifts!

Military families face a lot of challenges during deployment and the best thing you can do for them around the holiday as they celebrate without their solider is to just be present.  My husband says, that when he hears of others taking care of us here at home, he can rest easier and it speaks volumes of LOVE to him. 

Show those families that you appreciate their sacrifice this holiday!