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Our Turn on the Holiday Deployment Circuit
Everyone who has been married to the military, or in the military for that matter, knows that there are deployment cycles. We just happen to be part of the group “taking one for the team” this holiday season. It always makes the festivities just a little less. This year our yard decorations will be scant, as I am too chicken to brave climbing the ladder and hanging the outdoor lights. Per our tradition, the Christmas tree will be without its topper – that’s daddy’s job. Our home will be a little less joyous, a little less magical.
Yes, everywhere I turn reminders of Christmas Past hit me. Like going 10 rounds Tyson in his heyday, I’m sucker punched with smells of cinnamon roasted almonds – one of our favorite holiday treats, and peppermint mochas – our other special treat. The piney scents of candles and trees bring back memories of first tree together, and other holidays when my sailor would return just in the nick of time to celebrate Christmas.
Television plays treasured classics we’ve watched together for years, such as White Christmas, with Bing Crosby and Irving Berlin; It’s a Wonderful Life; A Christmas Story; and Christmas Vacation. Even good-natured annoyances, like his penchant for watching Shawshank every single time it’s on, are looked back on with fondness.
Holiday cooking has lost its luster. My three solid food eating children are so picky, making special meals is pointless. None of them enjoy a pot roast or prime rib, turkey makes them all gag, and don’t even get me started on their lack of vegetables.
This holiday is a bit lackluster; the colors a little pale. Basically, this holiday is one more hurdle to cross before our ship comes in, so to speak. I’m grateful for the holiday season and what excitement remains for us, because it will make the month go by faster. One month closer to turnover.
I know that we are incredibly blessed, as we’ve only done three holiday season deployments. I know there are many families who have spent many more holidays apart than we have. Every year I feel such gratitude to those who are “it” for the year. And now this year, as our little family is half a world apart, I know the families whose servicemember is not deployed are enjoying their special time together, appreciating their special moments, and my heart is happy.
One comment on “Our Turn on the Holiday Deployment Circuit”
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Military Special Needs Network 
Thank you! I feel the same way this year. It was so hard to lug the tree up from the basement. I only put out about half of our decorations. Today I teared up at the BX! Homesick for my family in the States and missing my husband. I keep reminding myself that this is the last hurdle until he returns late Jan.