HOLIDAY POST 2009

HOLIDAY POST 2009

“EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING”
DAY 8

8 MCWSs

8 VIGNETTES

PLUS

AT LEAST EIGHT WAYS TO TREASURE THE MEMORIES

BY CARISSA J. MARINE

U.S. Army Capt. Carl Subler, a chaplain with the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, leads a Catholic Mass for Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment awaiting transportation at the helicopter loading zone at Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Zabul, Afghanistan, December 12, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christine Jones/Released) Date Posted: 12/16/2009/Photo Courtesy Cryptome

Holidays are filled with emotion and need. If your spouse is home so you can celebrate together, you treasure the memories and make the most out of your holiday time together. These moments are perhaps extra precious for those of us who face the reality that our loved-ones might not be by our sides for the next holiday. If your spouse is currently away, it is extremely difficult to truly capture the “holiday spirit” since your lover and best friend are not with you. Perhaps your spouse is no longer deploying, yet you understand and feel for those going through the holidays alone. Regardless of your situation, what you do with your emotions and how you meet the needs of others will formulate this holiday and your memories of it.

What do the holidays mean for you?

Reflect on the purpose of your celebrations: family, spiritual, giving… Let go of the rush, greed and frustration that so often encompass this season; slow down and focus on the needs and emotions of others. How can you bless those around you? We need to step out of the tiny boxes of our own lives and consider others and what they are experiencing. Don’t just focus on monetary needs, offer your friendship and support. Be a shoulder to cry on; invite someone to celebrate Christmas dinner with you; ensure that the spouse you just met is not going to be alone on New Year’s Eve. People need to know that someone cares. Get involved in your spouse’s unit – don’t overdo it, be true to your personality – but be involved enough to know the needs so you can offer support, and get support when you are the one in need. If you are enjoying a “happy holiday” this year, share your joy and blessing with someone around you. If you are struggling this season, make one more effort to seek out support from your friends, neighbors, and spouse’s unit. Despite what this season brings, make sure you do what you can to positively impact your situation and treasure what will become this Christmas’ memories.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
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DAY 9