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From Faraway Lands to Festive Hands; Spreading Holiday Cheer to International Military Spouses

From Faraway Lands to Festive Hands; Spreading Holiday Cheer to International Military Spouses. 

 

The holiday season is the most cherished and festive time of the year for many in the United States. For the military community, however, it carries an even deeper significance.

It’s a season filled with both joy and longing, especially for service members who are far from home and their loved ones. 

 

For military spouses, this time can feel particularly challenging.

 

When their partners are deployed, on duty, or answering the call of service, many spouses find themselves navigating the holidays alone.

Some are fortunate to have the comfort of family and lifelong friends nearby, but this isn’t the reality for everyone—especially for international or foreign-born spouses. 

 

These spouses have made extraordinary sacrifices for love.

 

They’ve left behind their families, their closest friends, their communities, and even their beloved pets to be with the person who holds their heart.

Why else, if not for love, would anyone embark on such a life-changing journey?

During the holidays, when comfort, connection, and support matter most, the absence of familiar faces and traditions can feel overwhelming. 

Language barriers, cultural differences, and the sheer magnitude of change can create an avalanche of emotions that are hard to navigate alone.

Some may struggle to build new friendships or find themselves unable to reach out for support.

 

The pressures of the holiday season only magnify these challenges, making an already difficult situation even harder to bear. 

 

I know this because I’ve lived it. As a foreign-born spouse, I found myself newly married and utterly alone during the holidays while my husband was deployed for months.

I had just arrived in the United States, in a country where I didn’t know anyone, with no friends or family nearby.

Even my in-laws lived states away and couldn’t be there with me. 

I remember wishing desperately for someone to check on me, to invite me to a holiday gathering, or even to send a simple card.

Social media became my lifeline, allowing me to stay connected with my family and husband despite the vast distances and mismatched time zones.

 

Yet, the ache of loneliness lingered. 

 

This season, let’s not forget those who might be feeling this way. A kind gesture—a message, an invitation, or a small token of care—can make all the difference.

For those of us who know the weight of these sacrifices, let’s be the support we once wished for.

 

Let’s bring light to someone’s holiday season, reminding them they’re never truly alone.

 

If you have the ability to influence decision-makers in your community, don’t hesitate to shine a light on the unique needs of international military spouses.

Encourage the creation of initiatives or events that provide them with a sense of belonging.

Small gestures, like inclusive holiday gatherings, language support groups, or simply a card that says, “You’re in our thoughts,” can go a long way in bridging the gap they often feel. 

 

If you’re a leader in your community, I urge you to reach out to the international spouse next door.

 

Knock on their door with warmth in your heart, and don’t be discouraged if they seem shy, introverted, or struggle with the language.

I assure you, your effort will resonate deeply. It’s not about perfect words or grand gestures—it’s about the kindness and humanity you show in that moment.

Your face, your smile, your act of care—those will be etched in their memory as a beacon of hope during a time they may have felt unseen. 

It’s easy to underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness, but for someone far from everything familiar, it can be transformative.

You may not only make their holiday season brighter but also build a bond that lasts a lifetime. 

Let’s all remember that the holiday spirit is about connection, love, and generosity.

For those who have left so much behind, these small acts of community and compassion can turn a lonely season into a cherished memory.

Let’s ensure no one feels forgotten this holiday season. Let’s embody the true meaning of togetherness and make sure that everyone, regardless of where they’re from, feels at home.

 

 

Editor’s Note: The staff at Mission:Milspouse is excited to publish Fadoua’s first post with us. Her voice is a beautiful addition to our community of military spouses.

 

 

Author

  • Fadoua is a foreign-born military spouse from Tunisia.  She is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and empowering her community.  An active advocate for military families, Fadoua has volunteered with the Marine Corps Community Services and the Military Spouse Advocacy Network and is an alumna of the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program. Fadoua is a devoted wife and proud supporter of her husband, a USMC Marine. She values family, faith, and service and is actively advocating to promote mental wellness within the military families and servicemembers. She is also vocal when it comes to bridging the gap between foreign-born spouses and the rest of the community. Fadoua believes that with kindness, patience and support, anyone can achieve their goals.

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