The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and cherished traditions, but it often looks quite different for many in the Special Operations community and the brave men and women of all military branches standing watch across the globe. Whether serving on the front lines of our nation’s defense or supporting vital missions, Special Operations Forces and service members frequently find themselves far from home during Christmas and New Year’s. Yet, despite the challenges of deployment and the demands of duty, these dedicated warriors and their families have created unique ways to celebrate, no matter where they might be.
How the Military Helps Santa on Christmas Eve
One of the most heartwarming military holiday traditions involves NORAD—the North American Aerospace Defense Command—and its “NORAD Tracks Santa” program. Since 1955, NORAD personnel have “tracked” Santa’s journey around the globe on Christmas Eve, providing updates through radar, satellite, and jet fighter escorts. While it began as a happy accident involving a misprinted phone number, this tradition has become a beloved service for children and families worldwide.
Each year, active-duty service members and volunteers at NORAD answer thousands of calls and emails from excited children eager to know Santa’s exact location. The program shows the holiday spirit and softer side of military operations, showing that even those charged with defending the skies have a place in their hearts for holiday magic.
Other Military Christmas Traditions
Beyond tracking Santa, the military upholds other festive traditions both at home and abroad:
- Holiday Meals in the Field: Whether served in mess halls or makeshift dining areas, holiday meals are a cherished time for deployed troops to gather, share stories, and connect with home. Commanding officers often serve meals to their units as a gesture of gratitude.
- Gift Drops: In some areas of deployment, military units take on a Santa-like role, delivering toys and supplies to local children. Here at home, the Marine-led “Toys for Tots Foundation” makes it easy for all to give back to those in need. These acts of goodwill not only spread holiday cheer but also build positive relationships with local communities.
- Holiday Concerts and Shows: Organizations like the USO bring joy to deployed personnel by organizing holiday performances from musicians, comedians, and celebrities. These events offer much-needed entertainment and connection for those deployed during the season.
A Tradition of Adaptability
The life of a Special Operator is marked by adaptability, a trait that extends into their holiday traditions. Whether stationed in remote parts of the world or enduring grueling training exercises, Special Operations Personnel find ways to bring the holiday spirit into their environment. Something as simple as stringing lights inside a Humvee or sharing stories from home can help ease the pain of separation.
These moments of joy and connection are invaluable during long deployments, reinforcing bonds within the team and easing the ache of separation from family.
Family First — At Home and Away
For the families of Special Operators and all military families, holidays can be bittersweet. Many spouses, children, and parents celebrate without their loved ones, yet they find creative ways to keep traditions alive. It might mean setting an extra plate at the Christmas dinner table to honor the deployed or fallen family member. Families often turn to support networks, such as Special Operations Warrior Foundation, for camaraderie and assistance.
SOWF plays an active role during the holidays by providing a personalized card and Christmas ornament to every family. Of course, our Scholarship & Student Success Advocates are always available for a check-in. From “Cradle to Career” education assistance, to lunch and dinner events that bring families together, we do our best to ensure no one in our SOWF family feels alone during this season of giving.
The strength of the Special Operations Community during the holidays is a reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of service. Whether near or far, their traditions—infused with care—teach us all the true meaning of the season. As we celebrate our holiday traditions this year, let’s remember and honor the quiet sacrifices of those who protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Source:
https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Holiday-Troop-Traditions/
