Early Christmas?? And DH Deployment

[sunshineb]

I'm looking for ideas on how to celebrate Christmas at home this year. My dh is leaving on Dec. 5th for training in New Jersey for 90-110 days, and then it's off to Iraq. Going to him on Christmas day is not looking like much of a possibility.

So, we are thinking of doing an early Christmas, the day before he leaves. Should we wake up and do all the Santa stuff, like it was really Christmas and tell the kids that Santa came early so daddy could be here?

Or should we give some of the presents and then the kids could have one or two more on the real Christmas??

I'm leaning more towards the do everything in one day, the day before he leaves. BUT, then what do we do on Christmas day to make it special?? It just seems kind of sad for the kids to wake up on Christmas morning and it not be "Christmas".

Any thoughts??!!

Thanks, Sunshine

[KarenInKali]

Do some Christmas with your DH but have Santa and other pacakges for them on Christmas day. Even though you won't be with DH, I'm sure you will be able to talk to him, and the kids can tell him about everything that they got from Santa. Although you want to be able to share it all as a family, you need to keep things as close to normal as possible for the kids' sakes. It's tough, but you will all make it!! Good luck.

[MonTigg]

I am sure the kids will get gifts from other family members after the 5th so I am sure you can open those on x-mas.... I always hit the movies on x-mas day! I would do everything day before hubby leaves and open othe peoples' gifts x-mas day and make cookies and go to the movies or something fun!! Good luck