Published: December 21, 2022
Wow! Can you believe it’s almost Christmas already?
The holiday season is in full swing, and I am sprinting, trying to keep up. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be a little stressful (okay, maybe a lot stressful). I will be the first to admit I feel like I’m failing miserably at it.
It may seem strange, but I got comfortable with the lack of social activities during two years of COVID-19. The homebody introvert in me relished it! As the world started coming out of COVID restrictions, the pace of life picked up so quickly. Last summer, we got PCS orders, my husband changed jobs, and we moved. So, our calendars exploded within what seemed like moments of my husband starting the new job! We’ve spent much of these first 90 days in our new chapter traveling. Although it’s been great, our new Army quarters still need some organizing and decorating. That’s even before all the Christmas-fun stuff!
All that to say, yes, my stress level is almost through the roof right now with all the added holiday events on the calendar. I feel like I haven’t stopped running around. Have I finished my Christmas shopping? Heck no! Seeing the DAILY reminders of the Christmas countdown from morning talk show hosts is not helping matters either! Please don’t even ask if there are still boxes to be unpacked. Yikes!
But I try hard to remember that I am not alone in this. No matter what it may look like on the surface (or on social media), NO ONE has their act completely together! No one is perfect. We are all dealing with our own struggles. Some may be bigger than others. We all have to give ourselves and those around us grace or a break. Some days we feel like we can conquer the world, but there will also be days when the biggest accomplishment is putting on real clothes. And that’s OK!
If you ever feel that all of this, the stress of the holidays, moving, or military life in general, is too much, PLEASE don’t think you have to go through it or figure things out on your own. As part of the military, we may be away from family, but we’re not alone. There are a wealth of resources available, specifically for military families.
One that immediately comes to mind is Military OneSource. Sanctioned by the Department of Defense and available to all military branches, it houses resources for all areas of military life.
And let’s not forget Blue Star Families! Just like their mission says, they empower families (like ours) to thrive as we serve. Consider Blue Star Families your extended family, your circle of friends (whom you may have never met), and your support network.
I hope no matter how you’re feeling this holiday season, you can enjoy and appreciate all you achieved this year. I wish you and your family peace, joy, and all the blessings you can handle! Merry Everything, and Happy Holidays!
Much love,
Michelle
Musings From A Military Spouse
Michelle is no stranger to military life. She grew up as an Air Force brat, has been an Army spouse for 35 years, and is now an Army mother. Although life in the military is always changing, she knows that family is steadfast and home isn’t a place – it’s who you’re with. Michelle has learned a thing or two about military life, and she hopes you’ll join her as she shares her lifelong experiences each month in “Musings from a Military Spouse.”
Posted In: Family Life