Many people believe that the most magical time of year is Christmas, which seems to start a week earlier every year. Especially during deployments where you feel a little less jolly. And by a little less jolly, I mean l almost dropkicked a lighted snowman display across Target because I heard Josh Groban’s version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” one too many times this holiday season. I refrained, however, because I didn’t want to spill my venti peppermint mocha.
I’m not a monster.
Here’s a little ditty to sing your way through present-wrapping fundraisers, tree decorating, or when you need a humorous perspective about our unique and sometimes chaotic lifestyle:
On the first day of Christmas, my soldier gave to me…
A home in a foreign country.
Your AWN Core Team has created a fun and festive Christmas show just for you! Join us for this special holiday celebration to end another empowering year here at Army Wife Network!
“Come to yoga,” they said.
“It’ll help you unwind,” they said.
“It doesn’t matter that you can barely touch your toes,” they said.
Fun fact: Yoga is much more enjoyable when you’re flexible; don’t believe the hype!
If you read Part One, then you are now ready for planning your meal, to include prepping days in advance by getting your home (and more) ready.
My name is Elisa, and I have Celiac Disease.
Like many celiacs out there, I also cannot properly digest lactose, which, as I’ve learned, is a very difficult diet combo to live with and for good reason. The fact is, a lot of dairy-free foods still have some form of lactose in them. Unless you’ve done your research, you can easily miss it.
Living overseas offers plenty of new opportunities for Americans: food, traditions, cultural events, and more. It’s probably the best part about the experience and why I urge people to accept an OCONUS posting if one is offered.
During my first year living in Bavaria, a heavily Catholic state in Germany, I learned about the various Catholic holidays that don’t carry as much weight in the United States. I celebrated my first Fasching, the German version of Carnival or Mardi Gras, complete with a parade prior to the lenten season. I’ve attended my fair share of Volksfests and other fests popular in Germany.
Good for you! Either eagerly by choice or by default and with reluctance, you’ve decided to host your first holiday event! There’s so much to get done. You’ll need a good chunk of your free time to prepare and plan over the next few weeks.
No matter if the event is a cocktail party, an open house, or a full-blown holiday meal, there are ways to work ahead and avoid overwhelming circumstances. For tips on grocery store runs to day of prep hacks, keep reading, because we’ve got sanity saving ideas for the new host plunging into holiday entertaining.
It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the last month of 2018 already! This year has gone by so quickly that it almost seems as though it was just the beginning not so long ago. Sometimes, it makes me think we need to slow down a little.
Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904