Every time the holidays roll around, there’s one tradition my family never skips — no matter where the military sends us, no matter what the weather looks like, no matter how many half-unpacked boxes are staring at me from the hallway.
We go outside, gather pinecones, and make a wreath.
Some duty stations gave us big, gorgeous pinecones that looked like they belonged on Pinterest. Others… well, we had to get creative with tiny ones, broken ones, and whatever we could find.
But every year, we sit at the table with paint, ribbon, hot glue, and a sense of “okay, this is home for now.” And somewhere between the mess and the laughter, we make something beautiful together.
That’s what traditions do for military families — they anchor us, even when everything else moves.
And good news? You can take them with you. Anywhere.
5 Travel-Ready Holiday Traditions You Can Pack, Move, and Recreate Anywhere
1. Bring the Craft You Always Do (Even If It Looks Different Every Year)
Our pinecone wreath tradition started as a way to feel grounded… and now it’s the first thing my kids ask for when the weather shifts.
Try something simple and meaningful:
- Making a pinecone or seashell wreath
- DIY stockings with felt, buttons, or old fabric
- Painting ornaments with the year and duty station name
- Creating a “First Snow / First Sunshine” jar (depending on your climate!)
The point isn’t perfection — it’s the togetherness.
2. Make a Portable Mantlepiece
Not every base house comes with a fireplace (shocking, I know).
Try this instead:
- Cut a long strip of cardboard or thin wood
- Paint it the color of a mantle
- Add small hooks for stockings
- Decorate with tiny trees or garlands
Hang it anywhere — above a dresser, by the kitchen table, even on the hallway wall.
It sounds silly, but it creates instant holiday warmth.
3. Keep Your Recipes Close (and Easy to Find!)
Food is memory. And familiar food makes any unfamiliar place feel gentler.
Start a small binder or digital file where you save your family’s traditions:
- Nana’s sugar cookies
- Your favorite casserole
- The cinnamon rolls you ALWAYS make on Christmas morning
Bring those recipes everywhere, even if you have to substitute ingredients (overseas families… I see you).
4. Decorate Something Small & Meaningful
PCS season makes it easy to feel overwhelmed by stuff — so keep traditions simple and scalable.
Try:
- A holiday tree made from paper taped to the wall
- A family photo garland hung with clothespins
- A “home is where we’re stationed” map with tiny stickers
When you’re far from family, these little touches add up to big comfort.
5. Create New Traditions When You Need Them
Military life changes us.
It shapes our holidays in ways we never expected.
And that’s okay.
Try starting something new this season:
- A neighborhood cookie drop-off
- A holiday walk to look at base housing lights
- A “favorite memory” night once each week of December
- A new board game, puzzle, or craft to do together
Traditions grow with you — you don’t have to cling to the old ones if they no longer fit your season.
The holidays can bring a lot of emotions — grief over being far from family, frustration with the constant moving, and irritation when nothing feels familiar.
You’re not wrong for feeling that.
You’re not dramatic.
You’re human.
So:
- Ask for help.
- Say yes when someone offers a hand.
- Let the grandparents send gift cards to lighten the load.
- Skip the things that drain you.
- Simplify what you can.
You don’t need to create a “picture-perfect” holiday.
You just need a meaningful one.
