OCS Connect > Podcasts > Dealing with the Holidays
This month’s podcast, Dealing with the Holidays: Navigating Leave, Separation & Family Expectations, features a heartfelt conversation with Leann Martin about navigating the holiday season as a military family.
Drawing from decades of experience as an Army spouse and mother, Leann shares the realities of military life, including multiple moves, separation, changing holiday plans, and raising a family while her husband served. She offers practical advice and encouragement for adjusting expectations, staying connected, and finding meaningful ways to celebrate when traditions and circumstances change.
In this episode, we discuss:
Navigating military leave, changing holiday plans, and family expectations
Coping with separation when loved ones cannot be home for the holidays
Managing emotions and adjusting traditions during military service
Creative ways to stay connected and celebrate across the miles
Finding support, building community, and creating meaningful holiday memories
Throughout the conversation, Leann reminds families that while military life may change how and where the holidays are celebrated, meaningful connections and traditions can continue. With flexibility, creativity, and support, military families can find joy and make lasting memories, even when the holidays look different than expected.
Dealing with the Holidays: Navigating Leave, Separation & Family Expectations
Register Now: OCS Connect Event on Tuesday, October 20 @ 6:30pm Eastern Time
Topic: Holidays in Uniform: Coping & Celebrating Creatively
Listen Here
Event Information
Event Topic:
Holidays in Uniform: Coping & Celebrating Creatively
Date:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • 6:30 PM EDT
During this live session, we’ll:
Discuss navigating military leave, unexpected changes, and holiday expectations
Explore ways to cope with separation and support loved ones who cannot be home
Share creative ideas for maintaining connections and building new family traditions
Discuss managing emotions and supporting one another during the holiday season
Hear personal experiences and practical advice from a seasoned military spouse and mother
Host a LIVE Q&A where you can ask questions and engage in conversation
This is a welcoming, supportive space for military families to share experiences, ask questions, and discover ways to make the holiday season meaningful, regardless of where military life takes them.