Christmas Day 2018 is now in the memory books. The incense from last night’s midnight service has dissipated, the stockings and presents have been opened, and Christmas dinner is digesting. Everyone can sit back and take a breath, especially the mail delivery workers and Christian clergy.

For military kids, today’s celebration probably didn’t happen in the place where they were born. They’ve either moved from one house to another, from one state to another, or from one country to another.

Wherever they are, cheers to all the young military kids of today and a heartfelt hope that their parents are either with them, or are safe where they are.

Cheers also to those who grew up following their parents around the country and the world and for whom Santa didn’t arrive in a sleigh, but by camel, in a tank, riding in a half-track, being driven in a deuce and a half, flown in courtesy of the crew of a C-130, or landing on a Naval transport by helicopter.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and season’s greetings to everyone.

 

Christmas collage

A variety of Christmases. Top row: three places shown; five altogether. Two middle rows: three different homes in one place. Bottom row: four homes, not including my Army assignments.