*Written by the USO Military Spouse and Family Programs team.
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year. But if your spouse is deployed, you’re far from home, or you’re navigating a new duty station, the holidays often feel different – especially if managing it alone. The USO is here to help you, your spouse and your family feel the warmth and joy of the season, no matter where you are — whether surrounded by palm trees or pine trees.
Check out six ways the USO can make this season a little brighter for you and your family:
- Taste of Home
Nothing says “holidays” like the comforting flavors and aromas of a home-cooked meal. From pumpkin and sweet potato pie to hot cocoa bars, USO Centers are hosting hearty holiday meals for military families all over the world.
Find one where you are! If you’re a baker, be sure to check out the USO’s annual Cookie Week, held from December 1-7. Decorating cookies is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
You can also participate by downloading Captain Chip and sharing his adventures on social media by using #USOCookieWeek.
- Happy Travels
Holiday travel is stressful, especially if you’re traveling with kids. USO airport centers can alleviate some of that stress for service members and military families by providing a place to relax and unwind before the next leg of the journey.
You can mentally check out, charge your phone, grab some coffee and meet a festive USO team member along the way.
- Preserving Holiday Traditions
Being part of the military community often means creating new traditions while preserving old ones. The USO hosts events like tree-lighting ceremonies, arts and crafts workshops, ugly sweater competitions, and festive movie nights to help military families embrace the spirit of the season.
These are designed to include everyone, offering moments of joy and community while honoring the customs that make the holidays special. Bookmark this link to find USO Holidays activities from USO teams around the world.
- Connections to Home
Staying connected to family during the holidays can be difficult for service members stationed overseas, particularly for those in or near regions in conflict such as Eastern Europe or the Middle East.
If your spouse is deployed, the USO bridges the gap to create connections, such as free video call stations, Wi-Fi hotspots, and personalized holiday message recording opportunities.
Make sure your service member knows that the USO is where they can go to receive a heartfelt message or send a virtual hug from thousands of miles away to help them feel closer.
- Bedtime Stories Across the Miles
Through the USO Reading Program, military parents stationed far from home can record themselves reading a beloved holiday story like ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
The recordings and books can then be sent to families back at home. If you’re a military spouse managing the home front, these heartfelt stories become treasured keepsakes, bringing joy to the whole family and maintaining an important connection to deployed loved ones.
Service members and family members can stop by their local USO center and ask about the USO Reading Program or visit uso.org/reading to learn more!
- Holiday Care Packages
Nothing says “we’re thinking of you” like a USO Holidays Care Package. The USO delivers holiday-themed care packages to service members complete with treats, games, and small gifts.
These packages, including candies, cozy socks, and warm beanies, are a reminder that military members are not alone and that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
This year, the USO will deliver 50,000 holiday care packages to service members deployed around the globe.
The Power of Community During the Holidays
This holiday season, the USO is bringing comfort, joy, and connection to military spouses worldwide. The USO’s holiday programs are more than just events and activities.
They’re lifelines of support and a reminder that Milspouses are part of a larger, caring community. Stay up to date by subscribing to USO’s weekly Military Spouse & Family Programs email list.
Whether through a warm meal, a treasured storybook recording, or the simple act of gathering with others who understand the unique challenges of military life, the USO ensures that no one spends the holidays feeling alone.
Happy Holidays from the USO!
*For more posts from USO, check out their Expert M:M Author Page.
0 Comments