The holiday season can be a challenging time, especially for military families who may be navigating unique circumstances like deployments, relocations, and celebrating apart from loved ones. The CVN Holiday Thrive Guide offers practical strategies and anecdotes to help military families manage stress during the holiday season. From creating a comfortable home environment during a PCS move to managing holiday travel and staying connected with loved ones, this guide is here to empower military families with strategies to embrace the holidays with joy.
Tips and Gifts for the Military Community
The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and maybe a little chaos. That’s where we come in! The CVN Holiday Thrive Guide is here to help you tackle seasonal challenges with ease. From navigating tricky table talk to coping with grief, we are here to help you make the most of this special time of year.
Elf-Help Center: Holiday Questions Answered
The holiday season brings joy and challenges, especially for military families navigating unique circumstances. This “elf-help” center addresses pressing holiday questions by offering strategies to find balance and meaning. Explore ways to manage holiday stress and make the season as smooth and fulfilling as possible!
Before the holidays begin, reflect on what topics you want to avoid in conversations. Politely communicate these boundaries to your family and friends. You might say something like, “I’d love to keep our time together focused on positive memories and shared experiences rather than discussing politics.” Setting these boundaries helps create a safe space for everyone to enjoy the holidays without tension.Learn more tips.
Even when we are physically far from our loved ones, we can keep the holiday spirit alive! Consider sending “open when” letters, which are a series of notes for him to open at specific moments like when he misses home or needs a laugh. See more ways to celebrate holidays apart here.
Use “I statements” to express how you feel without accusing the other person. For example, instead of saying, “You never include me in holiday planning,” try saying, “I feel left out when I’m not consulted about the plans.” This approach helps prevent the other person from becoming defensive and keeps the conversation focused on your feelings and needs. See more tips here.
It’s normal to feel conflicted when experiencing joy while mourning but remember that happinessdoesn’t erase your grief. Both emotions can coexist. Let yourself embrace moments of joy, whetherit’s laughing with friends, enjoying a holiday tradition, or finding a quiet moment of peace. Accepting joy alongside sorrow can offer emotional relief and remind you that, despite your loss, life still holds meaningful moments. Find more grief tips.
When traveling “home” to see loved ones, military families sometimes try to pack in a LOT in a short amount of time. But it’s OK to decline invitations and prioritize relaxation with your family. Learn More.
Pack a “holiday box.” Fill it with a few select decorations that are meaningful to your family, like a favorite ornament, string lights, festive pajamas, or a cozy blanket. Find more ways to make your “home” cozy during the holidays.
Locate a Clinic
Veterans and military families, if you need additional support to cope this holiday season, our Cohen Clinics are available. CVN’s Cohen Clinics provide accessible, high-quality mental health care to veterans, service members, and their families. Click “Get Started” below to find a Cohen Clinic near you or learn more about our care.
