Published: November 15, 2024
By Jillian Johnson
Many military families find themselves separated from their loved ones during the holidays, which can be especially tough. When a service member is deployed, those feelings of loneliness and longing really hit home. The holiday season often magnifies that desire for connection, making it all the more important to find creative ways to celebrate and build a sense of community.
I get it — I’ve experienced the challenge of being away from extended family during the holidays. My family has had plenty of Thanksgiving holidays where it was just the five of us, but we have always made the best of it! We started our own fun traditions, and as my husband climbed the ranks, we began inviting airmen from his unit who couldn’t go home for Thanksgiving, giving back to our community and fostering connections that have lasted through several PCS moves.
If you and your family can’t be with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, here are some ideas to still enjoy your holiday:
Host a ‘Friendsgiving’
Who doesn’t love a potluck? Gather your friends and have each of them make a side to share while you are in charge of the turkey (or other main dish). We’ve had many potlucks where people have brought over new and interesting things for us all to try, and we ended up swapping recipes and ideas, too!
Create New Traditions
In our years of celebrating together, our family has developed new traditions for Thanksgiving. For example, we like to do a “fall simmer pot” where we gather ingredients associated with fall — apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, rosemary — and “simmer” them after dinner to end the day and also make the house smell even more delicious. We also like to go on walks and collect leaves, and sometimes we volunteer at our local food pantry, which brings us to the next point:
Volunteer Together
I’ve always seen the holidays as an ideal time to give back to my community. It’s a wonderful way to connect with those around us and remind ourselves of the true spirit of the season. In moments of giving, we not only lift others up but also cultivate a deep sense of gratitude within ourselves. Plus, it creates unforgettable memories while reinforcing the values of generosity and compassion that I want to instill in my children. Participating in community service, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or organizing a food drive, allows us to reflect on our blessings and appreciate the support systems we often take for granted. Teaching my children the importance of giving back helps them understand that the holiday season is not just about receiving but also about sharing joy and kindness.
Celebrate With Family Virtually
Technology is such a gift when it comes to keeping in touch with family. Something we have done in the past is set up a video call with our families to share a meal for Thanksgiving, allowing us to feel connected even when we can’t be together in person. If a video call isn’t your style, use this as a reminder to call your family and wish them well for the holiday. A simple phone call can brighten someone’s day, and hearing each other’s voices can help everyone feel more connected.
Family Game Night
My family is obsessed with board games. We must own close to 100+ board games that we’ve collected over the years, and we have many “family game nights,” so we decided to make these a tradition for our family for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, too. Each year, we look forward to diving into our favorites, from classic strategy games to the latest party hits. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together, sparking laughter and friendly competition as we reminisce about past games and create new stories. These nights are filled with joy, a little bit of chaos, and a lot of love, making our holiday gatherings even more special. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of trying to outwit each other while sharing snacks and catching up.
Get Outside!
Before or after your feast, why not take a short walk or hike outdoors (weather dependent, of course)? Getting outside has been shown to improve mental and physical health, and the quality time spent with your family outside will not only strengthen your bonds but also create lasting memories. Breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the beauty of nature, and engaging in light activity can help you feel more energized and centered. Plus, it’s a great way to break up the day and encourage conversations that might not happen around the dinner table.
However you and your family celebrate, we hope you will have a safe, happy, and warm Thanksgiving holiday!
Posted In: Family Life