Every year I send handmade cards out to service members but it never feels like enough. So this year, I’m sending out this letter, as well.

It’s Christmas Eve here now and I’m doing a marathon of my favorite classic Christmas movies before going to pick my son up so we can spend Christmas with dad in his home, in Midway BC.

I can’t help wondering if you are sipping on your favorite holiday drink as you read this. Oh, my favorite drink? Simple, really, candy cane hot chocolate.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory? I wouldn’t know which is mine. Every year seems to be special. But if I had to choose, I’d say Christmas 2014. Mom, Dad, my baby brother, my son and I did a trip of a lifetime. My parents and I took the boys to Florida for Christmas and spent Christmas day at Disney World. I don’t know who was more excited me, my parents or the boys.

I hope that even if you can’t be with your loved ones back home, you get to still feel the magic of Christmas wherever you are. Maybe you have traditions that you can share with your military family at least. My favorite tradition is lights.

I love traditions and I’d like to think that you are able to enjoy some of what Christmas offers, even if you don’t have snow.

We have no snow this Christmas but we did get snow a couple weeks ago at dad’s.

Well, I just want to say, Thank you for your service. Thank you for choosing to give up so much so we can have a special Christmas.

As my family and I sit for Christmas dinner tomorrow, please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

May you have a peaceful and warm Christmas. Hope the holiday brings you all you wish for and the new year brings you home safely.

Sincerely,

Tammie