Not Home For the Holidays

So let's talk December. It is that time of the year when we hang the paper snowflakes on the windows and the wreath on the door. Most of us will probably leave our American Flags and Yellow Ribbons out on display for the season. As we should to show support. Each year I get out my boxes and with each ornament I think of my kids and my childhood. As I sort the Christmas (that's my family tradition) treasures I love to look at the kids art projects from years past. I also REALLY enjoy the smells. Cinnamon, spices, chopped wood, pine, and the musty smell that the stockings seem to pick up over the past year. It is as if those few green tubs can change the whole world for just a few weeks. Then off to start the shopping.

Now, I would like to talk about December from a little different angle. There are no snowflakes, or chance of a white winter this year. Just sand. The reds, greens, silvers, and golds that brought you the youthful joy are traded for tan, brown, and more tan. The weather has finally cooled off a bit, as to say it is not 140 degrees during the day now. The kids you see are not the warm smiling eyes of your loved ones. You see the children living in poverty whom may never open a shiny new toy. At the end of your day you don't sit by a fire with the ones you love and sip cider and coco. Instead if you have time, you sleep as much as you can and try to "Drink water". The carols are not a background noise you listen to mortar rounds as you eat, sleep, or drive. When you are in "town" you don't hear the little bell ringing for you to put your coins in the red bucket. You hear people screaming words you can not understand and if it is a good day, you don't hear gun fire. The letters from home are the closest you come to any joy of the season.

I think it would be a great idea to talk a little shop for our troops. We here at home have so much. They give everything and have nothing. What are some things we can do to help bring them joy this season?

Here are a few of my ideas:

*Put your cards or papers for letters in a plastic shoe box with a scented candle. It won't have too strong of a sent but when they get it they can smell a bit of home.

*When you send you care package send peppermint lip-balm or another holiday flavor (don't forget to toss in a few others for those who might not get packages).

*Candy Canes!

*Snap pictures of even the tiny moments. You don't have to send a million pictures over now, but when the one you love comes home they will feel less like the missed it all.

*WRITE TO AS MANY PEOPLE THERE AS YOU CAN. Even if it is a quick "Thank you" or a smile on a piece of paper, it will make their day.

So, comment your ideas! Let's share the wealth and we can make it a better December for our troops!