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Now that Thanksgiving has past, the next big holiday is rapidly approaching. What to do about Christmas?

Being that I live in a military community where currently there is serious testosterone depletion, I participate with the FRG. That's the Family Readiness Group. Basically, the spouses of the soldiers form a cohesive group to bond together, especially during deployments. It's a great way to make sure everyone is kept up to date with accurate information as to what the soldiers are doing and planning. Additionally, the FRG keeps families active and involved with the community to help prevent isolation and the resulting depression. Both of which are an easy trap living in a foreign country where the language barrier just adds stress.

The FRG also recognizes the need to maintain a happy and joyous holiday atmosphere to ensure the children a "normal" Christmas under the circumstances. Thus, the 1-77 Armor Battalion FRG is planning a Christmas party. A few nights ago, at a planning meeting, an idea was tossed onto the table. "Let's just ignore the whole holiday."

This wasn't the first time I heard a spouse make a comment about preferring to forget the whole thing. Christmas, well holidays in general, a difficult when a parent is gone. When small children ask why, they have to be reminded that Daddy is away. He'll be home soon. Older children watch the news and know that Daddy is in a dangerous place. The whole situation isn't joyous. Mothers and some fathers too, not all soldiers downrange are men, are faced with "faking it" for the benefit of the children.

What about those spouses without children or adult children? Think they are in the Christmas mood? Germany is incredibly romantic during the holidays. There are Christmas Markets in just about every town. Lights and hot, spiced wine, roasting chestnuts, candied almonds, horse-drawn carriages, couples bundled-up holding hands as they stroll along the sidewalks. Venturing out by yourself while your husband is in the desert dodging bullets and praying the next exploding IED won't kill him just doesn't seem right.

There will be presents under my Christmas tree (the only reason I'll even put one up this year is because my children are forcing me to) for my husband. Those packages will remain wrapped and waiting for his return home. Our REAL Christmas will be when he comes home. We'll listen to Christmas carols and have a Christmas feast hopefully sometime in early spring. That's when my heart will be full of love and Christmas magic.

Please keep our soldiers and their families in your thoughts and prayers.