How to Make Any Duty Station Feel Like Home During the Holidays

The holidays have a way of highlighting just how far military families often are from home. Whether you’re stationed across the country or halfway around the world, this time of year can stir up homesickness and remind you of people and traditions you miss most. Still, with some intention and creativity, the season can become something special wherever you are.

At Dorazio Real Estate, many of us have lived through that reality ourselves. We’ve spent holidays in temporary homes, found new ways to celebrate, and discovered that comfort doesn’t depend on location. It comes from the connections we build and the moments we create.

Build New Traditions Wherever You Are

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing during the holidays, but building new traditions can transform the experience. Host a small dinner with neighbors or other families stationed nearby. Start a tradition of baking treats together or organizing a gift exchange with the people you’ve met at your current base. Even small things, like an annual movie night or decorating cookies with your kids, can become cherished rituals that travel with you from one duty station to the next.

For families stationed overseas, local holiday markets or community festivals can add something completely new to your celebrations. It’s a great way to experience the culture around you while still making memories that feel uniquely yours.

Bring Familiar Comforts Into Your Space

When the scenery changes every few years, it’s the little comforts that make a house feel like home. Pull out those familiar decorations, hang up your favorite ornaments, or cook the recipes that remind you of family gatherings back home. Even lighting a candle that smells like pine or cinnamon can spark a sense of comfort.

Don’t underestimate the power of music either. Playing your favorite holiday playlist or watching that same classic movie each year helps build consistency when everything else feels temporary. Those small touches help ground you and create emotional continuity from one home to the next.

Get Involved in the Military and Local Community

One of the strongest parts of military life is community. Your base, local VFW, or family readiness center often organizes holiday events, volunteer opportunities, or dinners for those unable to travel. Participating not only helps others but can also lift your own spirits.

Consider volunteering at a local toy drive, adopting a family for the holidays, or bringing a dish to a community meal. These acts of service remind everyone that no one has to spend the season alone. You’ll likely meet others who are in the same situation and form friendships that extend well beyond the holidays.

For families stationed in or around Chicago, we’ve seen local organizations host everything from Veteran-focused holiday markets to seasonal charity runs. Getting involved connects you to the broader community and reminds you that home can grow to include more people than you ever expected.

Stay Connected With Family and Friends

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay close, even when miles apart. Schedule regular video calls, share photos in group albums, or plan a virtual dinner with family back home. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just intentional.

Some families even set up virtual holiday games or gift exchanges, which can help kids feel connected to grandparents, cousins, and friends no matter where they live. Creating shared experiences keeps relationships strong, even when duty calls you elsewhere.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, consider recording a few short videos or leaving surprise notes for family members to open while you’re gone. Small gestures like that help bridge the emotional distance that comes with military life.

Redefining What “Home” Means

One of the biggest lessons military families learn is that home isn’t limited to a single address. It’s found in the people, traditions, and sense of belonging you build along the way. Every duty station brings its own version of community, and with time, those connections start to feel like an extended family.

As the holidays approach, give yourself grace. You might not recreate every tradition exactly as it once was, and that’s okay. What matters most is the feeling of warmth, connection, and gratitude that the season brings.

At Dorazio Real Estate, we’ve helped countless military families find new homes across Chicagoland and beyond, and we know that a house only becomes a home when it’s filled with the people and memories that matter most. Whether you’re celebrating your first holiday away or your tenth, remember that you’re part of a much bigger community that understands the journey.