The Joy of Being “Almost” Through Another Year: A Christmas Day Reflection

It’s Christmas morning, and for many SOF spouses, the day feels as complicated as the year it represents. Some of you are waking up to an operator who’s cracking open a drink at 6 a.m., struggling to decompress in ways that are hard to witness. Others are navigating the quiet ache of a holiday spent alone, separated by distance, deployment, or divorce. And for a few, this year feels like a glimmer of hope—a holiday that looks brighter than the ones before. 

Wherever you find yourself today, one thing is certain:  Christmas doesn’t look the same for everyone.  But no matter what this morning brings, we want you to know you are seen, loved, and supported. 

As we close out 2024, let’s reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the strength we’ve shown, and the hope that comes with knowing a new chapter is just around the corner. 

Christmas Looks Different for Everyone

The holidays carry a lot of weight for SOF families, often more than most people realize. While the world is wrapped up in joy and celebration, you may be grappling with: 

• The Emotional Weight of Deployment:   If your partner isn’t home, the absence feels sharper today. You’re trying to create magic for your kids, but the empty chair at the table is hard to ignore. 

• The Complexity of Reintegration:   Maybe your operator is home, but instead of festive cheer, you’re navigating their struggles to reconnect. The coping mechanisms they rely on—like drinking or withdrawing—can make the day feel heavy. 

• The Aftermath of Change:   For those who are newly divorced or separated, this Christmas may be a first, and the weight of “different” is palpable. You’re finding your footing, trying to redefine what this day looks like for you and your family. 

Wherever you are, whatever this day brings, it’s okay to feel how you feel. Christmas doesn’t have to look picture-perfect to matter. 

The Lessons of 2024

This year has likely been a rollercoaster. There were moments when you doubted you could handle it all, times when the weight felt unbearable, and yet—here you are. You made it through. 

• What This Year Has Taught Us:    

  • Strength Comes in Many Forms:   Whether you’ve kept it together or fallen apart and rebuilt, your journey this year has been one of growth. 

  • Joy Can Be Found in Small Moments:   It’s not always about big wins. Sometimes, it’s the quiet smiles, the laughter of your kids, or the rare moment of connection with your partner. 

  • Change Is Inevitable:   Not every Christmas will look like this. The hard days won’t last forever, but neither will the good ones. What matters is how you show up for yourself, no matter the season. 

A Christmas Wish from LRW

From all of us at   Lotus River Wellness  , we want to send you love, encouragement, and peace this Christmas. No matter where you are or how you’re feeling, your part of a community that understands, supports, and celebrates you. 

Here’s our Christmas wish for you: 

• For Those Alone Today:   May you find comfort in knowing you’re never truly alone. Take time to connect with yourself, reach out to someone who understands, and remember that this chapter is temporary. 

• For Those Navigating Complexity:   May you find moments of peace amid the chaos. Even if the day isn’t perfect, your efforts are seen and valued. 

• For Those Building New Traditions:   May you feel empowered to create a holiday that reflects your strength, love, and hope for the future. 

You deserve a Christmas filled with the things that matter most: love, grace, and the permission to feel whatever this day brings. 

A Reminder: It’s Up to You to Create Change

As we approach 2025, we want to remind you of something important:  The difference you want to see starts with you.   

• If You’re Feeling Alone:   Reach out to your community. The connections you make today can change how you feel tomorrow. 

• If You’re Tired of Carrying It All:   Set boundaries. Advocate for balance in your family. 

• If You’re Ready for Something New:   Invest in yourself. Whether it’s enrolling in a program, pursuing a goal, or prioritizing self-care, taking that first step can set the tone for the year ahead. 

You’ve carried so much this year, and it’s time to shift the focus back to you. 2025 is a blank slate—an opportunity to create the life and balance you deserve. 

The Joy of Being “Almost” Through Another Year    

You’ve made it to Christmas Day—a milestone that symbolizes so much more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a testament to your perseverance through the challenges of 2024. You’re  almost  through another year, and that’s no small feat. 

Let the relief of this moment remind you of how far you’ve come and how capable you are of moving forward. Because no matter what today looks like, you’ve done something extraordinary this year: you’ve shown up, you’ve persevered, and you’ve proven that you are so much stronger than you think. 

Closing Thoughts    

To every SOF spouse out there: This Christmas may not look like the one you imagined, but it’s part of your story—a story of resilience, love, and hope. As you close out 2024, give yourself the gift of grace. Celebrate your victories, acknowledge your struggles, and embrace the hope that comes with a new year. 

From all of us at Lotus River Wellness, Merry Christmas. May this day bring you a sense of peace, and may 2025 bring the change, balance, and joy you deserve. 

 #MerryChristmas2024 # SOFSpouseLife  #NewYearNewYou