Picture this: you’re gathered around a warm fire, your family is laughing over some mildly offensive jokes from your favorite uncle, and the scent of a perfectly roasted ham fills the air. Now imagine, while you’re opening presents in your cozy home, there’s someone just like you trudging through knee-deep snow with a rifle slung over their shoulder, stationed in some godforsaken outpost halfway around the world. That, my friends, is the reality for thousands of our military members this Christmas.
While we’re sipping eggnog and grumbling about the neighbor’s blinding light display, there are soldiers who won’t see their families for months, maybe even years. It’s a staggering contrast, and yet, how often do we stop and think about these men and women? They’re not just missing out on the warm and fuzzy stuff like hugs and bad Hallmark movies. They’re living on rations, enduring freezing temperatures, and standing watch so we can sleep soundly. Think about that the next time you’re deciding whether to reach for seconds at Christmas dinner.
But let’s not forget the kicker: this isn’t a new phenomenon. American troops have been spending their holidays in hostile territories since the dawn of this great nation. Remember George Washington’s daring Christmas Eve crossing of the Delaware River? That wasn’t exactly a cozy fireside chat. And yet, these sacrifices often fade into the background, overshadowed by whatever political drama is dominating the news cycle. Let’s face it: that’s a national disgrace.
Of course, the media barely acknowledges this. You might get a generic segment about soldiers receiving care packages or a quick montage of troops waving at the camera. Heartwarming? Sure. But does it really capture the gravity of what these people are doing? Not even close. These are Americans—our brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters—putting their lives on the line for ideals that half the country doesn’t even seem to appreciate anymore. And they’re doing it during the one season when most of us are too busy arguing about who’s bringing dessert to think about geopolitics.
Here’s a thought: maybe this Christmas, instead of spending hours doom-scrolling on your phone, take a moment to write a letter to a soldier. Donate to an organization that sends care packages. Heck, you can even just talk about their sacrifice at your dinner table. It might not seem like much, but it’s a step toward acknowledging the incredible burdens these heroes bear.
It’s time we elevate these men and women to the place they deserve in our national consciousness. They’re not just names on a list or faces in a crowd. They’re the reason you get to sip your spiked cider in peace. So this Christmas, let’s raise a glass—not just to friends and family, but to the forgotten heroes of winter who keep the spirit of freedom alive.
