Celebrating the Holidays at an Overseas Duty Station

The chance to live overseas is an exciting opportunity for service members. While the distance might mean that you can’t celebrate every holiday with your loved ones, your new community abroad offers a way to liven up old traditions, start new ones and celebrate new holidays.

Here are some tips to help you celebrate the holidays overseas.

Bring holiday keepsakes with you.

Bring those homemade ornaments, your favorite photos and cookie cutters, your grandma’s recipes and your favorite holiday music.

Shop early. Plan ahead for gift giving.

• Overseas deliveries can take longer. If you plan to shop online, September or October is not too early to start.
• Read shipping policies closely as not all businesses may ship to APO/FPO addresses and some may charge more in shipping fees to do so.
• Check with your postal center for more complex questions.

Create your holiday meal.

Look for ingredients well in advance, be prepared for substitutions and try local holiday favorites. With some improvising, you may find exciting new takes on your holiday favorites.

Gather together.

Find ways to come together and celebrate friendships and traditions.

• Plan a potluck with other military families, other single service members or new neighbors.
• Participate in your unit holiday activities.
• Set aside time to video chat with your family and friends back home.
• Join your local community in support of a charity or to help those in need.

Learn about holiday traditions in your host country.

Explore your local MWR offices such as Tickets and Tours or Outdoor Recreation for trips, tours and other activities. Learn more about the local community and explore cultural awareness activities through your installation Military and Family Support Center.

Make a holiday budget.

Stay fiscally fit during the holidays and beyond.

• Set budgets and savings goals with the help of a personal financial counselor available through your installation Military Family Support Center.
• If you’re traveling, take advantage of discounts on airfare, hotels and more through MWR programs such as American Forces Travel℠.
• Learn how to avoid emotional spending during the holidays and how to celebrate and keep costs down.

Explore your base and beyond.

If you’re looking for more information about your new duty station or community, learn more from MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.