Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’re all settled and getting ready to celebrate one holiday while I have another holiday on the brain.

My spouse isn’t going to be home for Christmas.  So what to do?  Push it forward so that you can celebrate with your loved one or stick to the traditional December 25th schedule?   I know there are a lot of us in this boat; every military wife/husband will consider this at one point or another.  So what am I going to do?

I’m leaning toward the notion of pushing it forward.  I don’t think that Christmas is about a specific day on the calendar.  My personal religious beliefs are that we should have that spirit of giving, joy, and caring throughout the year, not on one out of 365 days.  I think it’s important to be with your loved ones during the holidays, especially for the military, because you never know if this will be the last for awhile. 

Since this is the case, I have one major thing left to do: Explain to the girls why Santa will be coming early.  I think I’ll go to the next door neighbors’ house (my neighbors all rock, I’m lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people)  and have them write the twins a letter. Mallory recognizes both Jon and my handwriting so it’s essential to have outside help.

 In the letter I’ll have them say that Santa understands that dad has to leave for work so Santa has authorized a one time  early delivery (I don’t want them pulling this card every single year.)  I also need to notify their teacher so that she can play into it, because we know how kids are.  All it takes is one skeptical child to make them doubt the whole scenario.  She (and all the girls’ TA’s) rock and I know they will do everything possible to make it fall together. 

Now that I’m done being peeved (OK, I’ll be honest I’m still flaming mad), I’ve got it all planned out and I’m just happy we’ll all be able to celebrate together. 

Are any of you in the same boat?  What decision did you make and why?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!

We try and spend a lot of time together as a family.  Lately though, I don’t feel as though it’s quality time.  The scene often looks like this: I’ll be studying, Vannah is playing with blocks, Mallory is playing Leapster, and Jon is watching TV.  While we’re together, we’re not, you know.  So I’ve been thinking about different ways in which we can spend real quality time together as a family.

I’m instituting a family game night.  One night a week, we’ll do an easy dinner followed by games in which we can all participate.  Wii Sports and Candy Land are on the list for the first night.  I’m thinking about Uno and the classic Chutes and Ladders for the second night.  I know there will be weeks when we don’t feel like it, but I’m going to make it a priority.  No excuses, no procrastination, no being too tired or too stressed.  I’m thinking a good night for this might be Wednesday. 

In addition, at least once every two weeks, I’d like to go somewhere as a family.  Whether it’s a movie, a walk on the beach, a trip to the aquarium, or a dinner out, I believe it’s important to do things together as a family.  We don’t do this enough because by the time everyone gets done with work or school they’re tired and just want to veg.  I want this to become an event that the kids and my husband and I look forward to. 

I know this may be a stretch, but I’d also like to start volunteering as a family.  Even if it’s just taking the girls to visit some senior citizens once a month, I think this will reinforce our family values of unselfishness and giving.  I believe it is important to lead by example when it comes to kids, so if they see mom and dad practicing what they preach, these values will be reinforced and all of us can enjoy being together while also doing something that will make a difference. 

How does your family spend quality time together?  Are there any specific activities or places that you find your crew really enjoys?  Share your ideas and favorite family activities because I’d love to hear some new and different ideas!