Thoughts on Holidays

I've been reading a lot about troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, and returning from deployments.   A common theme seems to be the loss of relationships due to long or multiple deployments and the way war and separation change people.

So I wonder if the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season will be particularly hard for many soldiers and veterans.  In my experience these holidays tend to focus on family, and this can make single people feel out of place.  When everyone else at the table is part of a couple, you stand out. Being surrounded by family can be strangely lonely.  The holidays are also hard on people struggling with depression.

I wonder if community organizations such as churches could help by offering non-family focused holiday gatherings for local veterans.   A chance to eat a good meal and be a sociable as is comfortable with others who may share some of your experience might be more relaxing than trying to fit back into your old role in your own family, or the guest role in the family of some compassionate neighbor.