There is no place like home for the holidays. Unfortunately, that is not possible for the approximately 200,000 air, ground and naval personnel deployed overseas. Some are deployed with their spouses and children while many others are deployed in places where they can connect with family back home. Then others, such as those serving on submarines, will have no family contact on Christmas.
In 2001, two of our sons were on active duty somewhere in the North Arabian Sea. They were assigned to the same amphibious assault group. The Marines in the group were spending Christmas in Afghanistan. The sailors in the group were at sea. Arrangements were made so that one of our sons could be flown over to the other son’s ship.
My husband, Terry, and I treasured the picture of them together on Christmas Eve. There weren’t any Christmas decorations in the background, but we were so grateful that they could spend some time together. As they said in the movie “Home Alone,” no one should be alone for Christmas. And while there is great comradery among the troops, it is not the same as family.
What do you send to someone serving overseas? When do you send a Christmas package?
When we shipped packages, they could take less than a week or over a month to get to our sons. One time one of our sons received two of the monthly packages on the same day. That gave a new meaning to “feast or famine.”
Did you know that if you put a piece of bread in the cookie container, the bread will dry out and the cookies will stay moist? Lifesavers make the perfect filler so there is no wasted space in the box.
As we celebrate this Christmas, we will pray for peace on Earth and wish goodwill to all mankind. I doubt that will happen by December 25, 2024, but hope springs eternal.
Maybe by Christmas 2025, the world will be more peaceful and there will be more goodwill among all the people on Earth.
