The holiday season is arguably the most difficult time to be separated from family and friends. Thousands of you are currently serving in all corners of the world. Putting the military’s needs before those of your loved ones is a tremendous sacrifice.\u00a0Indeed, the physical distance from loved ones this time of year is a necessary cost of being a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.\u00a0
Attend the celebration virtually.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Audio and video technology are widely available on ships, at foreign bases and posts, and even in relatively remote combat zones.\u00a0If possible, schedule a video session with the whole family.\u00a0Have an agenda such as opening presents, sharing a cup of cider or hot cocoa with your children, or telling your spouse how much she means to you.\u00a0Even though you will be separated by thousands of miles, seeing each other\u2019s faces can be very soothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Celebrate with your deployment family.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If you can\u2019t be with the one you love, then love the one you\u2019re with.”\u00a0Although not a perfect example to make my point, there is some wisdom in this 1970\u2019s song lyric. Celebrate with and enjoy those around you.\u00a0Make new traditions and memories with your brothers and sisters in arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make plans for a special holiday season next year.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of dwelling on the fact that you’re missing this holiday season with your family, start thinking about how you can make next year the best year ever.\u00a0Plan a holiday trip.\u00a0Think of new traditions you\u2019d like to start.\u00a0Keep your mind focused on the unlimited possibilities of the future and not the limitations of today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Give thanks for the less-than-pleasant parts of the season.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This may seem like odd advice coming from a psychologist, but spend some time thinking about the things you won\u2019t miss this holiday season.\u00a0Give thanks that you won\u2019t have to navigate the chaotic mall parking lots and food courts.\u00a0Be grateful that you won\u2019t have to experience the irony of needing a vacation after what is supposed to be a relaxing and joyous time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If those tips aren’t helpful, please keep in mind that millions of us back home are thinking of you and your family.\u00a0 Stay focused, stay safe, and we will see you next holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bret A. Moore, Psy.D., is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. Email him at kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As someone who missed many holidays with family and friends because of deployments, I understand the emotional burden separation brings \u2014 and the critical importance of focusing on the mission and being efficient and effective at what you do. Below are four lessons I learned that can help you manage a holiday deployment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":29977,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":18,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"coauthors":[956],"class_list":["post-14598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spouse"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"IRDLHEHUMJFSDAKJYZK4L4IAYQ","arc_canonical_url":"\/spouse\/2016\/12\/17\/4-ideas-for-getting-through-a-difficult-holiday-deployment\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"\n