PCSing With The Kids During The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us! People are preparing for their favorite holiday traditions - the food, the get-togethers, the parties, the decorations and so much more! However, not everyone will be able to have a traditional holiday, as they are preparing for an upcoming PCS! If that's you, don't worry! There's still many ways to celebrate the holidays even during a big move.

Don't let the stress from your PCS take away from the festive season; instead, follow these tips to celebrate the holidays with your kids during your Permanent Change of Station! 

Technology On Hand: Being away from family during the holidays is tough, luckily we live in a tech-friendly world and have access to family in the palm of our hands! Staying in a hotel room for the night? Consider FaceTiming a family member and ask them to read a holiday book to your children! This is a great way to connect when you can't be there in person! You can even stream a holiday movie and watch it together via FaceTime! 

Gift Exchanges: If you can't exchange gifts in person, do it virtually! Before you move, coordinate a gift exchange with your family members. Through tools like FaceTime, video chat, Zoom, etc., you can watch each other open gifts. If you don't want to pack tons of new toys, ask your family members to send vouchers for local attractions near your next duty station! This is a great way to get you and your children out exploring your new city and state, and it won't take up much room in your car during your PCS! 

Plan Something Special: If you will be PCSing on a holiday itself, ask your children what they want to do for the day! Wherever you are, take some time and spend it doing whatever your children choose to do! Often times local movie theaters, malls, and some restaurants are open! Let them take the lead for the day and make it all about them! After all, nothing is traditional about PCSing on a holiday! Get creative and make the most of it! 

Decorate A Tree: Hello Amazon! Consider buying a felt tree to decorate in your car or hotel room! It won't take up much space in your car, and you can still say you decorated a tree this holiday season! Check out this budget friendly felt tree with ornaments: https://www.amazon.com/jollylife-DIY-Felt-Christmas-Tree/dp/B07K81R16X/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=felt+christmas+tree&qid=1638246684&sr=8-6

See Local Lights: Planning to stop for the night? Google is your best friend, so use it! Check to see if there are any local light shows in the town you're stopping in for the night. Before going to your hotel room, drive through the lights and surprise your children! It's sure to put a smile on their faces. 

Communication Is Key: If you are PCSing this holiday season, be patient with your children, and with yourself. On top of moving away from your home, your friends, and even possibly your family, you are now navigating not celebrating your holiday traditions. Be sure to communicate with your children, and make sure that they know it is okay to be sad or upset. However, do your best to stay positive and incorporate new traditions on the road as it may boost your kiddo's excitement for the season! Talking through it will help you all!

Whatever you do and wherever you go, remember you are in control of making new traditions, and you can still celebrate the holiday season! Make your holiday on the road one for your children to remember!