The holidays have arrived, and military families know the drill. The deployed spouse or parent doesn’t get to spend every holiday at home with the family. The holidays can feel lonely and sad without the whole family around. But cheer up! There are creative ways to spice up your holidays and still feel like a connected family.
You can make military deployment a little bit cozier during the holidays! From holiday activities for families to a homemade military gift box, there are many creative ways to connect with your deployed spouse during the holidays. Stay connected with your deployed spouse or parent this holiday season!
Become Pen Pals!
For the military wife or husband who loves to write, send letters to your loved one! Share family members with your deployed spouse. Letters are heartfelt and will likely make your spouse shed a tear and smile wide.
Being a pen pal is a great idea for the kids. (This will give them some extra writing practice!) More importantly, your spouse will love receiving scribbles and letters from the kids. And your kids will appreciate a way to feel more connected with their mom or dad. Make sure you send these letters early if you want them to arrive before the holidays!
Continue Family Traditions
Do your best to project a sense of normalcy into your holidays. Military families know that abnormal is the new normal, but hey, you can try! For the military wife who loves organizing and decorating, translate those skills into a project for the deployed spouse! If it’s tradition for your family to put up Christmas lights together, send your spouse some Christmas lights they can hang, too! For the families with little kids, make sure Santa visits deployed Mom or Dad, too!
Have a Holiday-Themed FaceTime Date
FaceTime dates are custom for military families these days. Spice up your FaceTime this time of year with festive activities! No seriously, you can add literal spice to your FaceTime. Make spiced nuts or drink spiced tea as a family. You can send tea bags or Christmas snacks to your loved one prior to the call! Then, you can all enjoy your snack together.
Other FaceTime holiday activities can include making a gingerbread house with the kids, leaving out cookies for Santa, or opening Christmas presents.
Photoshop Your Deployed Family Member into your Holiday Card
Military deployment doesn’t have to stop your family from carrying out Christmas traditions! Not even the holiday card! This can easily make all of your friends and family laugh. Find a clever and funny way to photoshop your spouse’s face into your family’s Christmas card. Together from Afar!
Video or Journal of Family Memories
For the sentimental, photographer, or writer military wife, collect your family's memories during deployment in a journal or video. Then, just before the holidays, send the journal or video full of memories your spouse has missed over to them! They’ll cry with happiness as they get to experience everything from your point of view.
Watch a Christmas Movie
Everyone loves Christmas movies! Laugh at Jim Carey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas or at Will Ferrell in Elf. Other great Christmas classics include Jingle All the Way with Arnold, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Have your spouse start the movie at the same time as you and the kids while you FaceTime or talk on a call. You’ll be able to hear each other laugh at the funny parts!
Play Games with the Kids
If your kids are big gamers, have Dad or Mom join in on the fun! If your deployed spouse has access to an Xbox or PlayStation, this could be one of the most fun ways for your kids to connect with their Dad or Mom!
You can also play board games with your deployed spouse over a FaceTime call. Assign one of your family members to move your spouse’s player across the board. Other fun games to play include holiday-themed Pictionary, Gestures, or Trivia!
Military Gift Box
Check out our list of awesome gifts for military veterans. Toss any of these military-themed gifts into a military gift box for your spouse! Holiday care packages could include non-perishable, holiday-themed snacks, cozy socks, delicious-smelling soaps, Christmas lights, family photos, letters, and even an ugly Christmas sweater!
Military families, we hope some of these holiday activities for families help make your holidays special.
Happy holidays!
Veterans have given so much for the country and they often continue to give more even after their service is over. A small gift can show them how much we appreciate everything they've done for us. It can also be a reminder that we're thinking of them and wishing them well.
It's always an awesome idea to give a gift to someone you care about! Vets of all the military branches must feel all the thoughtfulness from their family and friends. Of course, you can also give awesome gifts to an active duty service member as well. The choices are almost limitless and are as unique as they are!
The best part is you don't only have to buy gifts for veterans on veterans day either, you can honor them by giving your favorite vet an awesome gift they can proudly display. If you are purchasing a gift because you are planning a military retirement party then check out our article on how to plan one.
We have collected the most unique and favorite gift ideas of all time. You may check each of them and choose the coolest gift for Veterans and military members. It's time to give back to these amazing people.
If you're looking for one of the best gifts for a Veteran, a vehicle detailing service is a great option. This is an incredible treat for them! A detailing service will clean and polish the car's exterior and interior, making it look its best. Many detailing services also offer additional services, such as engine cleaning and waxing. Many services offer gift certificates that can be customized to fit the recipient's needs. This is your chance to make them smile!
This is a modern type of wallet perfect for gifting. It is an awesome gift because the design gives so much convenience to the user. A leather wallet is strong, durable, and can hold up to wear and tear. It is also a good insulator, which means that it can help to keep your loved ones money and cards safe from the elements. A MagSafe Leather Wallet will be a very useful gift because it is made for phones with MagSafe. Yes, there are leather wallets like this that can be easily attached to the backs of phones with the use of reliable magnets. This is a really handy item to keep IDs and cards.
A tactical pen is a great gift for a Veteran. It can be used as a writing instrument, but it also has a hidden function as a self-defense tool. The pen is made of heavy-duty aluminum and has a sharp point that can be used as a weapon in a pinch. It also has a glass breaker on the end that can be used to smash a car window in an emergency. This is the perfect gift for a Veteran who likes being prepared for any kind of emergency situation.
Our stainless steel American flag tumbler is the perfect gift idea for a military service member! It is made of durable stainless steel and is double-walled to keep your drink cold or hot for hours. The American flag design on the tumbler is stylish and patriotic and makes a great addition to Veteran items. Plus, it's easy to wash and reuse all over again!
Most of our army and marine veterans are wine drinkers. Some wine and other beverages helped to increase the body temperature of people who were exposed to cold conditions. That's why they love them! Giving a personalized 50 cal BMG bullet bottle opener engraved with the receiver's name is one of the best military gifts. This item comes with its special rifle case. You have three colors to choose from - black, desert tan, and olive green. Someone who will receive it will be amazed!
Whiskey is a drink that is often enjoyed by many people and all of the soldiers I have ever met have a favorite whiskey. There are different ways to drink whiskey, but some people may not know that drinking it from an awesome whiskey glass can make it taste even better while looking cool at the same time. We have the best item for a whiskey lover! Our variety of patriotic whiskey glasses includes a terrific drink on the rocks for Yellowstone fans and proud gun owners.
A patriotic shirt is a great gift for anyone who loves their country. It's a way to show your patriotism and support for your country. There are many different types of patriotic shirts available, so you can find the perfect one for the person you're gifting it to. Whether they're a veteran, active duty military, or just love the United States, a patriotic shirt is sure to please.
Shot glasses make a great gift for military people! They are small, and can easily fit into a purse or pocket, making them perfect for on-the-go drinking. It is also affordable, so they are a great option for a budget-conscious shopper. Our 12 Gauge Shot glasses are designed after genuine 12-gauge shells! We have so many unique shot glasses in our shop. Browse all you can and find the perfect match!
More personalized gifts for military veterans can include classic military dog tags with the name of the owner and other important retirement details engraved on the pendant. These tags are usually worn by many service members only during their duty. A veteran will definitely enjoy having this item containing important details of his retirement.
Military History Calendar
For the history buff military family member, consider gifting them a calendar full of military history! There are 365-day military calendars full of quotes and facts from past wars, historic days, and more!
Some people in the military choose to keep the flag as a souvenir after their service is completed. The flag can be displayed in a home or office, or even framed and hung up as a piece of art. Whatever you decide to do with the flag, you must have a flag case. Therefore, a personalized flag case is another ideal gift for a Veteran!
A military keepsake can be a valuable item for a military veteran. It can serve as a reminder of the veteran's time spent serving in the military and of the friends and comrades they served with. Some veterans might choose to display their keepsakes in their homes, while others might choose to carry them with them wherever they go. Whether someone retires from the united states marine corps army, air force, or army, keepsakes are great gifts for veterans. They can keep their challenge coins and other memorabilia that can be passed on to the next generation of military families.
Veterans have made huge sacrifices for our country, and they continue to make sacrifices every day. They have put their lives on the line for us, and many of them have come back with physical and emotional scars. Don't forget to send them thoughtful gifts once in a while. Military veterans deserve all the love and support they can get from us.
Happy Holidays!
As we prepare to ring in the new year, it’s important to take a moment to feel gratitude. Give your thanks for another year of good health, safe families, happy kids, and American freedom. There’s no better way to celebrate freedom, health, and happiness than with the holidays!
There are designated holidays every month of the year where we can celebrate freedom. You’d be surprised at how many opportunities there are to honor our military, first responders, and patriotism! Aside from the traditional Fourth of July and Veteran’s Day, did you know there’s a National Freedom Day and a Hug a GI Day?
Your December Freedom Flyer is stocked with patriotic holidays, military holidays, freedom holidays, and first responder holidays. You’ll feel gratitude for your freedom during every month of 2022 with our Freedom and Military Holiday Calendar!
2022 Freedom and Military Holiday Calendar
January 2022
January 6
World Day for War Orphans
This day raises awareness for children who were orphaned due to war.
January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - Martin Luther King, a man who promoted peace and fought for freedom and justice.
January 27
Vietnam Peace Day
On January 27, 1973, the United States signed the Paris Peace Accords, which ended our country’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
February 2022
February 1
National Freedom Day
Could there be a better day to celebrate freedom than on National Freedom Day?
February 12
International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
Also known as Red Hand Day, this day brings awareness to all the children under the age of 18 who were involved in warfare.
February 15
Remember the Maine Day
266 crew members were killed on the battleship U.S.S. Maine on this day in 1898 due to an explosion.
February 19
Coast Guard Reserves Birthday
February 21
President’s Day
In honor of our first president George Washington’s birthday, this day honors those who have served as President of the United States.
March 2022
March 3
Navy Reserves Birthday
March 4
Hug A GI Day
Give your service members in uniform a squeeze on this day!
March 25
National Medal of Honor Day
This day recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of those who received the country’s highest award for valor in combat: the Medal of Honor.
April 2022
April 1
U.S. Air Force Academy Day
Also known as Founders Day, this day celebrates the legacy and future of our Air Force Academy and its founders.
April 5
Gold Star Spouses Day
Today is a day to recognize the sacrifices made by the surviving spouses of fallen Veterans or service members.
April 14
Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 23
Army Reserves Birthday
May 2022
May
National Military Appreciation Month
If you only have time to celebrate one of the military holidays, choose this one. The entire month of May is dedicated to honoring all of those who have served and still do serve our country.
May 4
International Firefighters’ Day
Here’s one of the worldwide first responder holidays that celebrates our brave firefighters.
May 6
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Of the many military holidays, this day takes a special approach. Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors those who are married to a military member or veteran.
May 15
Armed Forces Day
Honor your military forces on this day.
May 15
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Honor federal, state, and local officers who were disabled or killed in the line of duty.
May 15-21
National Police Week
An entire week is dedicated to honoring our police officers. This is one of the first responder holidays that recognizes our law enforcement.
May 31
Memorial Day
This federal holiday honors our service members who lost their lives while serving the United States.
June 2022
June 6
D-Day Invasion Anniversary
The D-Day Invasion occurred on June 6, 1944.
June 14
Flag Day
Flag Day is one of the patriotic holidays that honors the Stars and Stripes that were adopted as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. Today’s a day to display red, white, and blue!
June 27
PTSD Awareness Day
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder commonly experienced by service members who have witnessed or experienced terrifying events. Today is a day dedicated to raising awareness of this mental health disorder.
July 2022
July 4
Independence Day
On July 4,
The most famous of the patriotic holidays, the Fourth of July is a time to celebrate your freedom with fireworks, sparklers, and smoke bombs.
July 25
Hire a Veteran Day
This day raises awareness of employment for transitioning service members and Veterans who are looking for work.
August 2022
August 4
US Coast Guard Birthday
August 7
Purple Heart Day
Today is a day to give back to the military personnel who made sacrifices for our country.
August 29
Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
September 2022
September 11
9/11 Remembrance Day
Remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 during the 9/11 attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center.
September 17
Constitution Day
The adoption of the United States Constitution took place on this day in 1787.
September 18
US Air Force Birthday
September 25
Gold Star Mother Day
Honor the mothers who have lost a son or daughter who served in the United States Armed Forces.
October 2022
October 13
US Navy Birthday
October 21
National Pets for Veterans Day
This day spreads awareness of the emotional needs of Veterans as they transition back to civilian life. The organization Pets for Vets was founded in October of 2009 to assist veterans with emotional support animals.
October 26
National Day of the Deployed
This day honors those who have been deployed to serve our country.
October 28
National First Responders Day
Honor all service members who are the first to arrive at a disaster or critical situation. Thank your local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics on this day.
November 2022
November 8
Election Day
Election Day is the day elections for national public office are held.
November 10
US Marine Corps Birthday
November 11
Veteran’s Day
Honor your veterans on this federal holiday!
December 2022
December 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Remember the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
December 13
US National Guard Birthday
December 15
Bill of Rights Day
Celebrate your freedom of speech, right to bear arms, and the rest of the first 10 amendments on Bill of Rights Day, one of many American freedom holidays.
