2020 Holiday Gift Guide

GIFT IDEAS SERVICE MEMBERS, SPOUSES, KIDS!

DR. DREIDEL BRINGS

JEWISH CELEBRATIONS TO TROOPS

THIS YEAR, DURING A TIME OF TURMOIL , confusion and loss of our former lives, the holiday season seems more important than ever. Many of us have been looking forward to this time of year since March. It signifies the hopeful end to a painful and difficult year. And moreover, this year is one year that many of us will not spend the holidays with our families — not because of military orders or a recent PCS — but rather because of travel restrictions due to a worldwide pandemic.

It is with this in mind that we set out to create a holiday gift guide that will not only help relieve the stress of searching for the perfect gift for your service member, your military spouse and your kids but also provide ways you can connect with family who is far away and bond more closely with those you are able to spend the holidays with. If this year has taught us anything, it is that slowing down is something that we all needed even if we didn’t realize it. Coming into the holiday season, our hope is that you continue to remember this year not just as one that was met with face masks and virtual schools, but also one that taught you to slow down and appreciate the things that are already inside the walls of your home. And we hope that you carry that tradition with you into 2021.

Happy Holidays,

Shot on location at Camp Pendleton, California

by Chasing Dragonflies

Photography, this image captures what this year may look like for many military families across the globe — celebrating the holidays virtually with family.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LAUREN M. LOMSDALE Digital Editor

Dr. Nichole Weakley is a

Kristi Stolzenberg is a longtime military spouse blogger, appearing monthly on Military OneSource’s Blog Brigade. She’s spent her 12 years and counting as a Marine Corps spouse supporting the military community through information distribution and by rolling up her sleeves supporting communities in person. She can usually be found adventuring near their latest duty station, packing or unpacking, reading, or overthinking something.

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger and lover of all things crafty and Disney. She is a Physician Assistant and writer who has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com

Stephanie Scaparotti High is a freelance photographer, editor and writer, specializing in topics ranging from military life to education and parenting. Along with raising three children with her active duty Army husband, Stephanie works from home as an adjunct English instructor for several colleges in North Carolina and New York. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in English Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. When she is not behind the camera or computer, Stephanie enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her family, fitness, homemade pasta, a good book and coffee. Especially, coffee.

Christina Carter is a Marine Corps spouse currently living in Okinawa with her husband and two kids. She is the founder of The Set Table, a meal kit delivery service, and a former restaurant owner. With her extensive experience in the food industry, Christina enjoys developing recipes, experimenting with different types of cuisines, and building/eating charcuterie boards.

Jessica Evans is back in the U.S. after several years abroad. In addition to her work with Military Family Magazine, Evans is an active contributor to We Are the Mighty and The Military Wallet. She serves as the executive secretary for the Capital Area Military Spouses club and as a mentor for Veteran’s Writing Project. Find out more about her at www.jessicaevans.me

professor, behavior analyst, homeschooling mom of 4, and Marine Corps wife of 13 years. She and her husband are currently stationed at NAS Patuxent River.

CONTENTS 5

CLASSIC HOLIDAY RECIPES THAT ARE THE PERFECT TASTE OF HOME

by Christina Carter

13 THE BEST GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

by Lauren Lomsdale

20 TIPS FOR BUDGETING BEFORE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

by Lauren Lomsdale

9 How military families can stay connected during the holidays by Stephanie High

11

Spouse-ly: A shopping platform for military spouse owned businesses by Heather Walsh

16 Army veteran overcomes pandemic challenges to grow his business by Kristi Stolzenberg

18

14 of the best experiences to gift this season by Stephanie High

22

Veteran-owned businesses to shop from for your entire family by Jessica Evans

24

Dr. Dreidel and Jewish families celebrate traditions by Dr. Nichole Weakley

Classic holiday recipes that are the perfect taste of home

by Christina Carter

While the holidays will most likely look a little different this year, one thing that does not have to change is the spirit of togetherness that comes when we gather with loved ones. If your house is anything like most, the kitchen tends to be the place where everyone congregates. That is, until it is time to do the dishes.

Sure, this year it may just be our immediate family instead of our great-great second cousins twice removed, but who says that we can’t still enjoy slowing down and building new memories in the kitchen?

Below, we have included some of my favorite holiday recipes that are perfect to make whether you are serving 4 people or 40.

OVERNIGHT JUMBO CINNAMON ROLLS Makes 12 rolls

Start the prep for these cinnamon rolls the day before you would like to serve. They will rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight and be ready to pop in the oven in the morning! If you prefer, you can make the icing in advance and just bring to room temperature before topping the cinnamon rolls.

The last step before the rolls go into the oven is to pour cream over the top. The cream seeps into each cinnamon roll, resulting in a soft, gooey texture that cannot be beat!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 1/4 tsp rapid rise yeast (1 packet)

4 large eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup whole milk, warm

1/2 cup granulated sugar

8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

3 tbsp cinnamon

For the icing:

6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 tsp salt

For baking:

1/2 cup heavy cream, warm

Directions:

Add 4 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and the yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm milk and granulated sugar. Slowly pour the mixture into the flour and beat on medium-low speed until mixed together well. Cut the softened butter into small pieces, then add individually to the dough with the mixer on low speed. Once all of the butter is mixed throughout the dough and the dough is well combined, transfer it to a greased bowl. The dough will be very sticky at this point!

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for 1 hour. Remove the covering and gently pull the bottom sides of the dough up and to the center top of the dough ball, to gently knead the dough inside the bowl. Repeat until all sides of the dough ball have been kneaded. Cover the bowl and allow it to rise for another 1 hour, then knead the dough in the same way again. Cover the bowl again and place into the fridge for at least 1 hour, up to a few hours.

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and place the dough ball onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the dough with a bit more flour, then let it sit for about 20 mins to come down to room

All Photos courtesy of Christina Carter

temperature. Next, roll out the dough with a rolling pin into a rectangle about 12” x 18”.

Prepare the filling. In a bowl, melt 6 tbsp of unsalted butter. To the butter, add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until well combined. Spread the filling evenly on top of the dough using a rubber or offset spatula, leaving about 1/2” of dough clear alongside the bottom edge of the long side of the rectangle. Starting from the top of the rectangle, begin to roll the dough towards the bottom. Using a sharp knife, slice off the very edges of the rolled dough to create even ends. Slice the roll in half, then slice each of those halves in half again. This will give you four pieces of the roll all equal in

SAUSAGE, TOMATO AND SPINACH STRATA

Serves 4-6

This is another make-ahead dish that will leave your mornings free to snuggle up in bed just a little longer! Prepping this casserole the night before allows the bread to soak up all of the creamy custard mixture, which makes for the perfect consistency once baked. Feel free to try variations of this recipe with different meat (think ham or bacon), as well as your family’s favorite veggies!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground breakfast sausage

1 yellow onion, diced

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed & drained

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 large eggs

2 1/2 cups half and half

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried mustard

length. Slice each of these quarters into 3 equal pieces, which will yield 12 rolls in total. Place the rolls swirl side up in a greased 9” x 13” pan or large braising dish, leaving some space around each one to allow for rising. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator and uncover. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature on the counter for 30-60 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Before the cinnamon rolls go into the oven, warm 1/2 cup of heavy cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

You want the cream to be warm, not hot. Pour the cream over and around the cinnamon rolls, then place the pan into the oven. Bake for about 25 mins, or until golden brown on the top.

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, beat together 6 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 oz. cream cheese until free of lumps. Add in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt, then mix until well combined.

When the pan comes out of the oven, use half of the icing to frost the tops of the cinnamon rolls. This ensures that the tops do not get too hard! After the cinnamon rolls have cooled for about 20 mins, spread the rest of the icing on top and serve warm.

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

12 oz. leftover or crusty bread, cut into 1” cubes (about 8 cups)

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions: Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the breakfast sausage and diced onions. Cook for 6-7 mins, or until no longer pink. Add in the drained spinach and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 mins. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the half and half, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.

Spray a 9”x13” baking pan with cooking spray. Add in half of the bread cubes, followed by half of the

sausage mixture, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and half of the tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, cheese and tomatoes. Pour the egg mixture over top of everything, then place the pan in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil, overnight. Let the pan sit for 30 mins at room temperature before baking for 50-60 mins, removing the foil about halfway through cooking to brown the top.

LEFTOVER CREAMY TURKEY SOUP

Serves 4-6

We all do it. Buy that 22lb turkey at the grocery store because it was “such a good deal”. Since you inevitably will have leftover turkey the day after a big holiday feast, here is a great soup recipe that capitalizes on the fact that you were such a savvy shopper.

Ingredients:

3-4 tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 potatoes, diced

12 oz. green beans, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces (fresh, canned, or leftover)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2-1 1/2 tsp pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups corn kernels

1 1/2 lbs cubed leftover turkey

6 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp celery salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp nutmeg

2 cups milk

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

Add 3 tbsp olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Dice the onion and celery. Peel the carrot and potato and cut into a small dice. Add the onions, celery, carrot and potato to the pot, along with the salt and pepper (use the full amount of pepper if you don’t mind a little bit of heat in your soup). If you are using fresh, raw green beans, add them at this point as well. Sauté the veggies for about 15 mins, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 min. Stir in the green beans (if using canned or leftover), corn, turkey, chicken stock, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder and nutmeg. Cook for 5 mins, or until veggies are cooked through to the center. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Add the milk mixture to the pot and stir. Bring the soup to a low boil, then reduce the heat to med low. Soup should thicken to a nice, creamy consistency in 1-2 mins. Taste, adding more salt & pepper, if desired.

To serve, scoop some of the soup into a bowl and serve with a side of sliced bread.

POTATO LATKES

Makes about 12 latkes

Often made as part of a meal to celebrate Hannukah, these potato pancakes are so flavorful and just the right mix of crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. They are seriously addicting, so one batch just might not be enough to satisfy hungry bellies.

Ingredients:

1 lb white potatoes

1 medium yellow onion

2 large eggs

1/2 cup dry matzo ball mix*

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Toppings:

Chives, minced

Sour cream or applesauce for serving

Directions:

Wash the potatoes, then pat dry. Remove the potato skins and discard. Shred the potatoes, either using the grating disk on a food processor, or with a handheld box grater. Cut the onion in half, discard the skin, then shred the onion like the potatoes.

Place a clean kitchen towel over a bowl and put the shredded potatoes and onion into the center of the towel. Gently lift the edges of the towel so that the potato and onion mixture are wrapped inside. Squeeze the towel so that all of the excess liquid is drained from the vegetables. Continue squeezing until no more liquid can be removed.

Place the potatoes and onion in a mixing bowl, then add in the eggs, matzo ball mix, salt and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.

Heat about 1/4” of oil over mediumhigh heat in a cast iron or other heavy-bottomed pan on the stove. Once hot, drop 2 tbsp-sized spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the oil. Using the back of a spoon, gently press down the latkes to flatten. Cook for about 3-4 mins on one side, or until golden brown. Flip the latkes and fry on the other side for an additional few minutes. Drain on paper towels, then serve immediately.

Top with chives, sour cream and/or applesauce, if desired.

*Matzo ball mix should be available at most grocery stores. It differs from matzo meal in that it is already mixed with a leavening agent (baking powder) and some spices. If you cannot find the premade dry mix, you can substitute with plain matzo meal, or even all-purpose flour. Following this substitution, you will also need to add 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and an additional 1/4 tsp salt.

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dish most likely more familiar to those in the U.K. than in the U.S. While the origins of the dessert are somewhat disputed, what is clear is that it has become a staple sweet during the holidays.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

8 oz. dates

3/4 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

6 tbsp butter, softened

2/3 cup demerara sugar*

2 tbsp molasses

2 large eggs

6 tbsp milk

1 1/3 cups self-rising flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

For the sauce:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 tbsp molasses

1/2 cup heavy cream, divided

Optional: Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Chop the dates into 1/4” pieces, then add to a small pot along with 3/4 cup water and 1 tsp vanilla. Bring the mixture

to a boil and boil for about 3-4 mins. Remove from the heat, then use a potato masher or spoon to mash the dates, forming a loose paste. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 6 tbsp softened butter and the demerara sugar for 1-2 mins. Add in 2 tbsp molasses and the eggs, beating until well combined. Stir in the milk and the date mixture. Add the flour, baking soda and salt, then mix until combined. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for about 35 mins, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before inverting out of the pan.

Meanwhile, add 1/4 cup butter, brown sugar, 1/2 tbsp molasses, and 1/4 cup of the heavy cream to a small pot over medium heat. Stir until combined, then cook for 6-7 mins, or until all of the sugar has melted. Add in the remaining heavy cream, stir, then remove from the heat. Pour the sauce over top of the cake and serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

*demerara sugar is a raw cane sugar with a golden brown color and large granule crunchy texture. It can be found at most grocery stores in the baking aisle. If demerara sugar is not available, you can substitute with turbinado sugar (preferred) or light brown sugar.

How military families can stay connected during the holidays

by Stephanie High

As military families, the thought of spending the holidays without the company of our extended family isn’t new. Unfortunately, traveling home often comes with high costs, a lot of travel or not enough leave days allotted. Over the years, we’ve become pros at connecting with our family members far and wide, so much so that when COVID-19 hit and quarantine was inevitable, we didn’t bat an eye. This holiday season will be no different. With the development of technology and the increase in tools to bolster human connection during this trying time in history, we’ve put together a list of the best tips and gifts to keep that family connection alive, no matter if you’re six feet apart or a thousand miles.

TIPS TO FOSTER CONNECTION

Flat Stanley, holiday style

Remember the old days of Flat Stanley in elementary school? A hand-cut, scribbled upon paper doll that we carried for a week, taking pictures and then sharing his adventures with the class? This holiday season, we propose bringing back Flat Stanley, but holiday style. Repurpose your Elf on the

Shelf (parents, this is a great time to finagle your way out of moving the elf each night – you’re welcome) and bring him on each holiday adventure, snapping photos and sharing with your family members. Your child will connect the Elf with your family from afar, remembering the importance of including them in your holiday traditions. Holiday books read by the fire, Christmas tree lightings, light shows and Santa sightings become the perfect memory-making moments to share with the family, making them feel included through the use of a stand-in Elf.

FamilyPhoto app

The holidays are an intimate time. It’s a time when we would normally gather with family that we haven’t seen in months, catching up and sharing stories from the past year. It’s literal face time that we need to connect with the ones we love. Though this year may be different, we can still get that intimacy through the use of a family photo album app, like FamilyAlbum Unlike social media, only those closest to you have access to your shared photos. Not only can you document your holiday, but your family members can also upload their personal photos

to this shared family photo album app. Family members can react, comment and hold conversations. After the holidays are over, turn your photos into a beautiful album (another option with FamilyAlbum!), and even though you were not all physically together, you were all together in spirit.

Zoom gift exchange

By now, we’ve all become accustomed to Zoom. Book clubs, girls’ night and family gatherings have made no exceptions during this trying time. With a little preplanning, a family gift exchange can still happen. Divvy out names using an automatic name generator, such as Elfster.com, shop online, ship a gift to your recipients and plan a scheduled Zoom gathering where everyone opens their gift together. With the help of Elfster.com, secret santa and white elephant gift exchanges over Zoom are still a fun way to celebrate the holidays from a distance.

Family recipe swap

Arguably, the best part of the holiday season is the food. Part of ‘going home’, as we say in the military, is being treated to the foods you know and love from childhood. It’s grandma’s apple pie and your mother’s oven-roasted turkey. Or, it’s cookies from your favorite hometown bakery. Whatever it is that draws you home every holiday season, keep the traditions alive this year with a family recipe swap. Jot down your favorite holiday dish and exchange it with your family members. Then on the day of your family dinner, make each family member’s recipes so that everyone is represented at your table when you sit down to eat. You’ll laugh, or maybe even cry, trying your aunt’s beloved sweet potato casserole made by your own hand. Delicious or not, your immediate family will enjoy reminiscing on each family member as they make their way through each dish.

Online game night

With the advancement of technology, we have benefitted greatly as military families when it comes to maintaining a connection with family and friends. Our kids no longer have to say goodbye to good friends that move away, but instead keep in touch daily through Facetime, text messages, Messenger and online gaming – a favorite among many. Online gaming is also a great way to gather the family near and far during the holiday season. With the help of apps such as Words with Friends, Monopoly, Draw Something, Family Feud and much, much more, family game night can still go on. It may look a little different, but kids, most of all, will love sitting down and playing a virtual game of Monopoly with their grandparents. To add to the connection, play together over Zoom or Facetime.

GIFTS TO FOSTER CONNECTION

Amazon Echo Show, Facebook Portal or Google Nest

Thanks to AI technology, talking to our friends and family face to face is as easy as “Alexa, call mom.” It’s the perfect addition to the kitchen or family room where most of your time is spent. Cooking alongside your mother or playing a game of charades with your cousins is made easy thanks to the technology that allows you to video chat with a family member, hands-free and at a moment’s notice. Gifting your family one of the many video chat options available is the perfect way to deepen your connection, not only during the holidays but for the months to come.

Gizmo Watch for kids

The connection between family and children is priceless, yet so hard when

we often live hundreds to thousands of miles away. With the Gizmo Watch for kids, designated family members can call or message your child directly, aiding in the building of a strong bond. Not only is the Gizmo Watch great for children and teens not yet ready for personal cell phones and tablets, but it is also great for parents as a sense of security with the watch’s GPS capabilities.

a family cookbook to be made to your specifications, such as Heritage Cookbook and Create My Cookbook

Friendship

Lamps and Bond Touch Bracelets

Human touch is the focal point of human connection. While that may not be possible this holiday season, we can still give the gift of touch through amazing new technology. Friendship Lamps are a great way to show someone that you are thinking of them even though you may not be near. With the simple tap of your lamp, your loved one’s lamp will light up. Friendship Lamps are often customizable so that specific colors and messages can be sent, as well. If a lamp isn’t your thing, Bond Touch Bracelets are also an option. Bond Touch Bracelets also let others know you are thinking of them by lighting up when activated. Bond Touch Bracelets can be color customized, as well as vibrate. And with the use of the app, family members can count down to their next physical meeting.

Family Cookbook

Once again, holiday food is king. A sweet gift for a family member is a beautiful cookbook full of your family’s best recipes. Printed or handwritten, there is a multitude of options for

The great thing about the gift of a family cookbook is that it can be passed down for generations. In the days of Pinterest and the Food Network, most of our modern recipes can be found with just a few taps on our phone. While the recipes don’t disappoint, there is nothing like pulling out a cookbook full of memories when all you want is the comfort of home and family.

Memory Box by Boombox

Creating a memory box is often a sweet gesture for graduates and retirees, but they don’t need to wait for a special occasion. While we can’t be physically together, we can still send the gift of love with a beautifully made memory box by Boombox. Boombox gathers photos and personalized messages, prints them on beautiful cards and then they are packed inside a personallychosen box. If sending a physical memory box isn’t an option, Boombox also has a digital memory box!

Legacy Box

A favorite pastime of many families around the holiday season is to dig out the old family videos, dust off the old VCR, and take a trip back into time. With so much technology at our fingertips now, you can give the gift of those old memories in the form of a DVD, digital download or thumb drive. Legacy Box converts all of your old films and photos into modern-day reels that can easily be gifted. Keep the gathering alive by pulling up a video and watching together over a zoom chat.

As military families, we understand the need for family during the holidays. It’s going home, when home has come to mean so many things over the course of a service member’s career. While the current pandemic has limited a lot of our travel this holiday season, we know the importance of connecting with our loved ones and its lasting effects better than anyone. Let the gift of connection guide your holiday season!

Spouse-ly

A new way to shop from military community connected shops

by Heather Walsh

Have you heard of Spouse-ly ? This new online marketplace for military family-owned and veteran-owned small businesses is giving small businesses an easily accessible platform. After launching in January 2020, the platform has grown from 30 vendors to now close to 250.

Spouse.ly is a one-stop-shop offering shops selling products like candles, subscription boxes and bath bombs. There are also even some services available such as photography, health coaching and yoga.

Monica Fullerton, the founder of Spouse-ly , is a military spouse, mother and works a full-time job. She understands firsthand the challenges of military life and balancing that life with everything else. She has a passion for supporting and uplifting her military community. Being a small business owner — in fact, she owns two shops herself, MoMo and M + M Kids — she understands the difficulties of building the small business and breaking out of the algorithms to share said business.

This holiday season will mark the first holiday season for Spouse.ly,

and they hope that their platform will become a place where military families will shop first in order to support military community-run small businesses. They are building up to creating specific marketing for the holiday season and looking to partner with shops that will help promote Spouse.ly to be the goto place to shop when looking to support military families and business owners.

“We plan to partner with vendors who would like to offer a discount,” Fullerton said.

They hope that in addition to an influx in business this holiday season, that 2021 will bring additional growth. They will continue to modify their website so it looks more like a marketplace, with buttons and tools to make it easier to shop. They will also continue to partner with groups like VirtForce and the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs to get the word out.

“[We are] always thinking about and planning for growth,” Fullerton said.

The Spouse-ly community offers a one-stop shop to support small businesses owned by active-duty military, veterans and their families. Here are just a few of the ones you can find when you visit their website.

SHOPS

Spouse.ly has 11 different product categories including America , apparel , art , books , crafts , entertainment , food and beverage , health and beauty , home , jewelry and accessories , kids and baby and miscellaneous . From art kits to bath bombs, from military-themed coffee to candles – there is something to appeal to everyone on your shopping list (and maybe even a little something for yourself).

Sea to Sea with Love has all your packaging needs covered with package sticker kits.

Send a movie night care package to your college student or a little love box to your girlfriend going through a tough time. Whether you are sending a package to your loved one deployed overseas or to Grandma across the country, the creative and fun stickers add a fun and cohesive element to any care package.

The Messyish Masterpiece is an art haven.

Watercolor mountainscapes , waterproof state stickers to mark your moves and travels and decorative surfboards are on offer in this gorgeous and colorful shop. Enjoy exploring this beautiful shop.

HOLIDAY DISCOUNT

Spouse-ly will be working with the shops to offer holiday deals and discounts, so keep an eye out on their website to find out more.

Looking for a sweet treat? Look no further than Rose Macarons.

Olive Bridge Vinyl Co. showcases farmhouse style meet Rae Dunn in woodwork, vinyl and paper.

The Friends picture display is the one that will surely appeal to Friends fans. Interchangeable seasonal spring signs and holder are perfect for the those with limited storage space. The birth details wood sign is a perfect memento to capture a new family member addition.

The gingham and seersucker are classic looks. The fabric used to make each product is sourced locally and $7 of each purchase goes towards families who are adopting. Each purchase not only supports small, but also supports the larger community!

The meringue-based sweet confection takes exquisite skill to make and they look beautiful. For $30, send a dozen of seasonally flavored macarons to a friend, relative, neighbor or even yourself! A sweet hand-written note and shipping included!

Sam and Sea Artistry has taken the colors of the sea and placed them into everyday objects. A custom Acacia serve tray, porcelain mug and serve board have all been given a touch of the sea with ink and resin in these handcrafted designs.

Wanderlust and Mayhem offers a bounty of beautiful and colorful children’s’ bubble shorts, bows and non-medical face masks

Business

If you are a military-affiliated entrepreneur, Spousely is the platform for you to showcase and share your business or service. Email support@spousely. com for more information.

Fees for vendors to build online shops are minimal with a fee as low as $1.00 a month.

MILITARY AND VETERAN FAMILY

THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, SPOUSES AND KIDS

by Lauren Lomsdale

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON is looking a little different than all the others, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to make it just as special. In fact, we might want to make even more special because of the circumstances. But don’t worry — this year we won’t leave you to think about what to get all on your own. We have the perfect gifts for service members, spouses and kids so that everyone in your spend-everywaking-minute-together-since-March family has something they will totally love under the tree or for Hannukah.

GIFTS FOR

SERVICE MEMBERS

5.11 Tactical

5.11 Tactical is a tactical clothing brand that offers clothing, footwear and accessories for those with the military and law enforcement mindset. This Pathfinder Watch is perfect for your military guy while the Ammo Queen t-shirt will quickly become your military girl’s favorite tee.

Rheos Sunglasses

Who doesn’t love a pair of sunglasses for the holidays? These floating sunglasses from Rheos are perfect for a military guy or girl. They are scratch-proof, smudge-proof and won’t get lost in the pool during their liberty weekends. They have a variety of styles and colors for everyone.

Strong Women Supply

Created by a Marine Corps veteran, Strong Women Supply was started with a simple idea of adding a Ruth Bader Ginsburg quote to a back of a olive drab t-shirt to be worn by female veterans under their uniform. Now Strong Women Supply offers a variety of products including t-shirts, water bottles and mugs.

Gerber

You can’t go wrong with a new knife or multi-tool for your service member, and Gerber Gear makes the highest quality ones for military, first responders, and law enforcement. This Multi-Plier tool is a perfect addition to their pack for field exercises.

Light therapy lamp

Is your service member coming back from deployment, or do they work in a bunker or on a submarine? A light therapy lamp is a great tool to help regulate sleep patterns or get the necessary daylight needed to help with sleep and mood.

Allegiance Flag Supply

Nothing says “America” more than an American flag. But these aren’t any old American flags. The flags by Allegiance Flag Supply won’t get worn out or wrapped around your flag pole with every gust of wind. Each flag is hand-sewn with the highest quality fabrics to ensure that America is displayed proudly.

Portable massager

After a long training session in the field, a hard day of PT, or a ruck hike with their platoon, your service member needs to take the time to recover their muscles. A portable percussion massager like this one is a great gift this holiday season.

Chuck Box Camp Kitchen

Your service member goes out in the field for days at a time, but their love for the great outdoors remains. This Chuck Box Camp Kitchen is a great addition for family camping trips, days spent by the lake or for your RV.

Nomader

No matter if they are in out for a run or you are ready to PCS- space sacred when it comes military life. The Nomader Collapsible water bottle is perfect for when you need it, and even easier to store when you don’t.

Black Rifle Coffee

Veteran-owned Black Rifle Coffee is a great gift for your service member this year. You can get them a bag of their favorite roast to send to them while they are forward deployed, or get a monthly subscription box for them to enjoy while they are home.

Nine Line Apparel

A nine-line is a medevac for a injured service member, and Nine Line Apparel is the place to go for all military-inspired clothing and accessories. Super patriotic doesn’t even cut it as a description of their stylings for men, women and even kids.

Grunt Style

Looking for some new PT gear for your service member? Grunt Style has some of the coolest and most comfortable lines of fitness wear (and other clothing and accessories). How can you go wrong with American flag Ranger panties for the holidays?

Customized pilot image from The Electic Boutique

Is your service member a pilot? Take their favorite image with their aircraft and have it made into a cool silhouette by militaryspouse owned shop, The Eclectic Boutique.

BRAVO SIERRA

Daily shaving. Hard days of PT. Weeks-long exercises with no showers. BRAVO SIERRA is a veteran-owned business that makes hygiene products that work with a service member’s needs in mind. Each product is tested by a member of the U.S. military so you know they work.

The Jewelry Republic

If you are looking for a unique jewelry gift for your service member, look no further than The Jewelry Republic. They have cufflinks and customizable rings for men, and branch specific bracelets like these for women. It is a great option for an end-ofservice holiday gift.

GIFTS FOR

MILITARY SPOUSES

Life and Apples Wellness Planners

We know that military life can be... well, chaotic to say the least. A Life and Apples Wellness Planner is a great gift to help your military spouse start the new year off organized, as well as track her own self-care and wellness. They have pages for your to-do list as well as meal planning, fitness tracking and gratitude journaling.

Fairwinds

Candle Company

Fairwinds Candle Company is a veteran- and military spouse owned candle company. All of the scents are Navy-inspired like Commitment, Gig Line and Topside, and they are a perfect gift to give your Navy military spouse or military spouse friend.

Beth

R. Martin Designs

Hand-painted by a military spouse in Charleston, South Carolina these gorgeous leather napkin rings make for a great addition to your next holiday party or social gathering with your military spouse friends.

Charliemadison Originals

Charliemadison Originals is a military-spouse owned bracelet company that offers gorgeous beaded bracelets and necklaces that are military-inspired, firstresponder-inspired and more. This set of Milspo Strong bracelets is a perfect gift for your military spouse- although you can find others that are branch specific, too.

MilSo Box

The Admiral’s Daughters

Altruist

Wine by Markham Vineyards

The Altruist Wine was developed by Markham Vineyards to honor those serving in the military and as first responders. The deep Merlot is a great gift idea for your fellow military spouse or for yourself — because we all need a little wine to get through this military life.

Soap

Cauldron

Owned by a Navy Reservist who served in Desert Storm and her sisters, Soap Cauldron is now creating beautiful artisanal soaps and skincare products. The small batch products are made with pure plant oils, gourmet butters and natural botanicals. You can get a gorgeous gift set to make gift giving easier or pick out the perfect scent for your military spouse.

Brave Crate

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a military spouse going through a deployment, look no further than Brave Crate. Brave Crate offers a monthly subscription box that helps military spouses count down the months during deployments with self-care items and even resources through their private Facebook group.

Looking for the perfect subscription box for your military spouse? MilSo Box is a military-spouse owned and inspired montly subscription box full of self-care items like beauty, treats and even jewelry. Each month has a theme, and the monthly box will help you get through this crazy military life one day at a time.

Modern Rosie

Modern Rosie offers prints, canvases and accessories that mostly focus on the Navy military spouse life of those on cruisers, destroyers and submarines. But this “Do Not Pack” tumbler is something that all of us military spouses can get behind. And need for our next PCS filled with coffee (or something a little stronger).

Jane & Cope

Military-spouse owned shop, Jane & Cope offer gorgeous handmade leather earrings in a variety of colors, styles, designs and prints. We love these leopard white ones that are perfect for a night out with your service member, but they have ones that are elegant enough to wear to your next ball, too. These make a great gift for your fashionable military spouse!

The Admiral’s Daughters is a former military-child owned shop that offers apparel and prints. We are loving their naval station prints like this one of Jacksonville, although they offer several others like Norfolk and San Diego, too.

microMAHALO

Stationed in Hawaii or just missing it?

This military spouse owned shop creates seaglass art straight from the beaches of Hawaii. If your military spouse’s or military spouse friend’s favorite duty station was on the beautiful Hawaiian islands, then a gift of Aloha or a set of pineapple magnets made from their favorite beaches is a perfect gift this holiday season.

Portable phone charger

One things military spouses always have on them is their phones. We don’t dare miss a text, phone call or WhatsApp message when our service members are gone! This portable charger will make sure that your spouse’s phone is always charged so they never miss those all important calls.

Raquel Riley Thomas Cosmetics

This veteran-owned cosmetics line offers lip color, eye shadow, lashes and mascara. If you have a beauty-buff military spouse, shopping from Raquel Riley Thomas Cosmetics is a perfect gift for her as well as a great way to support the military community.

GIFTS FOR

KIDS

Tanoshi 2-in-1 Computer

With many of our kids having moved to homeschooling or virtual learning this year, you may find yourself looking for the perfect piece of technology to make things easier on everyone. The Tanoshi 2-in-1 Computer is a computer and a tablet, and has all the basic functions of a regular computer. The best part is that with the Family Link, you can keep all your child’s apps they need for school in one place. It makes accessing assignments for virtual school much easier! You can even manage the apps with parental controls right from your phone to ensure they don’t sit in front of the screen for too long.

Gabb Wireless Z2

One of the most askedfor gifts from kids is a new phone. But what if you’re not ready to give them a smartphone but still want them to be able to reach you (or vice versa) if they need to? The Gabb Wireless Z2 offers a safe, child-friendly phone that can call or text but doesn’t have all the capabilities of a regular smartphone like internet access and social media.

3 Max Puzzles

Do your kids love puzzles? These wooden puzzles from 3 Max are a great step up from traditional puzzles. They are fun to do independently or as a family. They have several different options like this Georgia state one, “Save the Bees,” sea turtle and sugar skull kitten.

Budsies

Birdie Boutique

The Birdie Boutique is a sister-owned children’s clothing and accessory shop. Both sisters are U.S. Army veterans and one sister is a current Army spouse. Their shop is a certified disabled veterans business. Their car seat ponchos are a great way to keep kids warm in the winter months without compromising their safety with bulky coats in the car seat. We love the camo style for our military kids.

Hola

Amigo Box

Looking for an experience for your child rather than just a regular, old gift? This military-spouse created Spanish language subscription box is a great way to bring another language in your home and teach your child through play and fun activities.

Budsies is a unique gift for kids this holiday season. Their selfie dolls are great for kids who are going through a deployment and missing their mom or dad. The selfie dolls create look alike dolls from an image you send them, making a great option for military kids. We also love their traditional Budsies where you have a stuffed doll created out of their own drawings or paintings!

ZZZBears

If your sweet military kid is missing mom or dad, a militaryinspired ZZZ Bear can keep them company at night. These cute teddy bears are dressed in branch specific attire and they are on a mission to help your child sleep better and keep them safe while mom or dad are gone. They come with an official room protector door hanger and sleeptight oath. Just put your ZZZBear on duty while your military kid sleeps to help them feel protected and safe.

Kidvelope

This holiday season we may are further away from family than we’d like to be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected. With Kidvelope, your military kid can interact with a distant family member completing a space mission. These games and puzzles can be completed by each person via online games, snail mail and phone calls. It’s a great way to stay connected when you can’t be together.

Cuddle

Clones

Your pet is a part of your family, and your children probably love their animals with fervor. Cuddle Clones is a great gift for military kids who are missing a pet or a military service dog family. Cuddle Clones creates an exact replica of your pet in stuffed animal form so you can have your special family member with you wherever you go.

Cali Bee Kids

Cali Bee Kids is a military-spouse owned children’s clothing shop that offers adorable handmade items. If “something to wear” is on your fivethings gift list this year, we highly suggest the adorable Wolf Bonnet or the Roxy Rabbit Jacket for your little ones this holiday season.

Daddy Dolls

One of the most classic military kids gifts is a Daddy Doll. These dolls are made to keep your little one company when mom or dad is gone, or just when they are feeling lonely. You simply take an image of your service member and send it over to Daddy Dolls with a choice of backing for the doll (we particularly love the militaryinspired camo print). You can even add a voice box with a special recording.

Army veteran overcomes pandemic challenges to grow his business

by Kristi Stolzenberg

The recipe for small business success this year was harder to crack than the New York Times Sunday crossword. Many businesses — roughly 60% according to an August Economic Impact Report by Yelp — closed down for 14 days, never to reopen. The restaurant industry was on the front lines of the economic battle against COVID-19; arguably, it still is even months after the first stay-at-home-order. So, hearing small coffee franchise owner, Carl Churchill of Alpha Coffee report that his business is “stronger than ever,” is not only unexpected at this point in 2020, but it likely has you leaning in for that Phoenix rising from the ashes, feel-good story you’ve been craving this year. And it pairs well with a hot cup of their Warrior Select brew.

To be clear, Alpha Coffee was hit by COVID — hard. They had just

opened a second coffee shop in Utah when the state essentially closed for business. In-store ordering and instore pickup were axed, only leaving the option for curbside pickup. Churchill and his wife, Lori, needed to adapt to the changing situation, and they needed to move quickly.

Immediately, “[we gathered our] small leadership team and came up with a plan of attack,” Churchill said.

If all of this sounds a bit like the plot of a war movie based on a true story, there’s a reason for that. Churchill joined the Army at the age of 17, eventually commissioning and reaching the rank of colonel before retiring after 21 years. His background, accompanied by Lori, who was no stranger to resilience and adaptability as a veteran military spouse, proved that Alpha Coffee was prepared to stand its ground and

fight the changing economic climate.

Loyalty is something of a gospel in the military. You take care of your own. For that reason, Churchill and Lori opted to stay operational during the pandemic, and they promised hours to any employees who needed them. Behind the scenes, they launched an employee emergency fund on the GoFundMe platform, raising $10,000 in a week. Their unwavering commitment to the Alpha Coffee team and the customer loyalty and generosity saw them through what Churchill calls “that first dicey six weeks.”

All factors combined, Alpha Coffee survived a $40,000 loss in in-store revenue in April 2020. But thanks to their overnight changes to their point-of-sale system that made online ordering possible and their quick outreach to their loyal patrons,

online sales increased by $12,000 in a month. And, despite the darkness of “the COVID hole,” Alpha Coffee never stopped their give-back program that provides Coffee for Troops donations. In fact, those have increased, and they expect to soon surpass 19,000 donated bags of coffee.

“COVID was a test of our ability to rapidly react to constantly changing requirements, keep our team and customers safe and maintain profitability in a very challenging environment. We came through with flying colors due to formulating a battle plan, a lot of hard work and our

team pulling together,” Churchill said.

The future looks bright for Alpha Coffee. If you need further proof of that, just ask their newly hired baristas, new sales and marketing manager or the military spouses they have hired for remote positions. The two brick-and-mortar locations in Utah are still rocking and rolling (or is it grinding and roasting) and plans for additional locations are already in motion. But, the beauty of their online functionality is that you can get their coffee (whole bean, ground or K-Cup) anywhere by ordering on their website or Amazon

When talking about the plans for Alpha Coffee in 2021, Churchill noted that COVID not only taught them how to function in a crisis, but what changes they may want to keep with their new stores.

“One thing we will continue is curbside delivery and we will focus on adding drive-through options to future shops as well. And we will increase the outside dining options as well,” Churchill said.

This year hasn’t been easy, but thanks to Alpha Coffee, acquiring a big cup of resilience and teamwork is.

“COVID...taught us that we have incredibly loyal customers who not only love our products and our service but our mission and our commitment to our mission and employees. We do it because it is the right way to run a company, but a side benefit is that customers recognize it and want to support a company that reflects their values.”

Alpha Coffee always offers a 10% discount for military and first responders, and you can shop for their coffee on their website or on Amazon .

Carl and Lori Churchill from Alpha Coffee Company in their Utah store. Photo courtesy of Carl Churchill.

14 of the best experiences to gift this season

by Stephanie High

As the holiday season draws closer, the search for the perfect gift for our family members begins. For some of us, this hunt is part of the holiday fun. For others, it can be met with a bit of dread. We are inundated daily with materialism, constantly bombarded by ads for the next greatest thing to add joy to our lives. However, 2020 has brought a lot of eye-opening insight into the way we have been living. While stuck at home in quarantine, we longed not only for human connection, but for adventure. This holiday season, forget the material gifts, and give the gift of an experience to your family and friends, whether that’s planning a future trip or simply providing an experience to enjoy safely from their own home. And because we like to support our own, some of our gift ideas include amazing companies owned and operated by military veterans and military spouses!

GIFTS FOR THE FAMILY

Museum & zoo memberships – An annual museum or zoo membership is a great investment in the education of your children. It’s also a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together. While many museums and zoos are open to a limited capacity, with an annual membership the family can go as many times as they want throughout the year, taking full advantage of spending quality time in each part of the zoo or museum.

Virtual classes – We understand the struggle with virtual learning;

however, the current pandemic has led to an increase in virtual opportunities that our children have always dreamed of: Video game designing, LEGO club, baking a unicorn cake, crafting a superhero shield and cape, drawing mythical creatures, individual guitar lessons and survival camp in Minecraft….the list goes on! Outschool , a popular platform for online courses and camps for children of all ages, offers a wide variety of courses that make learning fun! Tap into your child’s individual and unique interests and

give them hands-on experience from the comfort of their own home.

Concerts, sporting games, theatre and events – Concerts, sporting games and events have been put on hold in the recent months. Slowly, though, small venues are starting to open again. A wonderful way to give the gift of an exceptional experience is gifting through Vet Tix . Vet Tix secures tickets to popular sporting games, concerts, performing arts, events and family activities across the country. Veterans and their families can request tickets to events that interest them and receive them for free with only a small delivery fee.

Kinship Vacations – Veteran and milspouse owned, Kinship Vacations plans unique vacations from start to finish, with special consideration in building and strengthening your family’s bond. Their design philosophy says it all: “We have all experienced years of hardship away from our family due to our choice to commit to a life of public service for this great nation.  For this reason, we want to make every vacation of yours magical, memorable and priceless.” Romantic getaways and trips off the beaten path all over the world and the U.S. make for memories that will last a lifetime, even if booked for a year or two from now. As an added perk, military families receive a special discount!

Skyhour – Give the gift of free flights to a family deserving an amazing vacation. Flight fees for families rack up quickly and can often deter a family’s dream vacation. With Skyhour , you can gift a person or family of your choice with money towards their flights. Pay off the flights completely, or pay for an hour at a time. With the gift of an online piggy bank for flights, a family can work towards their dream vacation without the hassle of ticket prices and fees.

GIFTS FOR MOM

Waters Edge Winery - Waters Edge Wineries is an innovative urban winery system bringing the cultural experience of wine to communities across the country. While franchises are available country-wide, we are especially keen on veteran-owned and operated Waters Edge Winery & Bistro in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. This winery serves up an authentic and unique wine tasting experience for their customers, both near and far. Grapes imported from Germany, Italy, France and California are produced and bottled on location, allowing customers the ultimate experience in wine making, tasting and customizing. If a simple gift is all you’re looking for, or maybe you aren’t local, the winery also offers custom wine labels for every occasion. Give the gift of a unique wine that celebrates your loved one with a personalized note right on the bottle.

Teak and Twine – Bring the spa or girls weekend home! Veteran-owned, Teak and Twine curates the most luxurious gift boxes of bath soaps, salts, edible treats and more! With gift box names like “The Long Weekend”, “Breakfast in Bed” and “The Night In”, these thoughtful gift boxes go beyond just a beautiful present, but provide for an entire experience. Treat her with the gift of time: a moment of self-care or bonding with her bestie.

Milso Box – Perfect for a spouse of a deployed soldier, a Milso Box (a veteran and milspouse-owned company!) is a subscription box service that sends the spouse serving on the home front a perfectly curated gift box full of comfort, joy and encouragement. Let them know you are thinking of them by signing up a deserving spouse for a one, three, or six-month subscription. Give them the gift of experiencing your love and support each month while they battle the toughest part of military life.

Art Classes from The Art Studio NY–

Getting creative is not only good for the mind and body, but also helps us get to know ourselves in more meaningful ways. Give the mom in your life a chance to explore her creative side and step away from the everyday humdrum with online art classes through The Art Studio NY, a company based out of NYC. Even though we’d all love a weekend away in the city to draw, paint and create, it’s not always possible – especially in the middle of a pandemic – but through The Art Studio NY, we can take classes on art journaling, beginners acrylic painting, water color painting and much more. If the whole family wants to get involved, The Art Studio NY also offers online art courses for kids and teens.

GIFTS FOR DAD

Table at Home – As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. While we would all love a fine dining experience out at our favorite restaurant after months of quarantine, we think the gift of a fine in-home dining experience could be even better. Hiring a personal chef is easier than ever through companies such as Table at Home. By simply providing a few key details and your budget, locally trained private chefs compete for your bid, providing a full menu and pricing. You choose the one you like best and voila – you can have the most fabulous and intimate dining experience you’ve ever had in your own home.

Unchartered Society – Give dad the gift of the most unique travel experience he has yet to have. Unchartered Society creates and curates the most incredible adventures, all through the use of powersport vehicles. Pump up the adrenaline by exploring the most beautiful places in the U.S. by way of ATV, UTV, Sea-doo, Ski-doo and other unique powersport vehicles. From

the mountains to the sea, there is something for every adventure loving guy in your life.

Personal in-home massage – While a trip to the spa might not be possible, thanks to technology, bringing the experts into your own home has never been easier. With companies like Zeel, you can book a highly trained and reputable massage therapist for an in-home deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage or simply a really good stretch on your own time and schedule. Create an even better experience with the gift of a couple’s massage.

American Ninja Warrior lessons –This might be the perfect gift for the whole family, but we think the man in your life would probably jump on the opportunity to train like an American Ninja Warrior. With ninja warrior gyms set up all over the U.S., the ninja warrior training options are endless. Even if the gift isn’t set on becoming an American Ninja Warrior, it is definitely a fun opportunity to experience what it’s like to train as one.

Escape room – Escape Room adventures have become a huge hit in most major cities. While each one is a bit different, the premise is all the same: Use your brain, make a collective effort with a group of friends or family, and solve the riddles in order to escape the room before time is up! While finding your local escape room is as easy as a google search, we love to support our military and found many veteran-owned escape rooms, like Xscape Factor in Fayetteville, N.C.!

Despite what happens this holiday season with the current pandemic, we can still give the gift of an incredible experience - big or small. We can give an experience that provides hope, comfort and a sense of familial bond –feelings that a material item often lacks and are needed more than ever during such a trying time.

BUDGETING BEFORE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Lauren Lomsdale

As the holidays get closer and closer, many military families find themselves looking for ways to save money and budget appropriately for the upcoming holiday season. Random COVID impulse purchases, a downward spiraling economy, job loss and purchases related to a new homeschooling or virtual schooling curriculum can leave people, financially, in a different place than they were in years past.

So how do you try to save and budget for this holiday season when your finances may have taken unexpected hits because of the coronavirus pandemic? Financial expert and military spouse Lacey

Langford from The Military Money Expert says that there are three things you should evaluate when you start budgeting for the holidays: your current holiday savings, the total amount you want to spend for the holidays, and who is on your list.

“Knowing how much you have to spend is the jumping-off point for your budget,” Langford said. “Then you can look at [ways to save] between now and Christmas.”

You will also want to examine how much you want to spend for the holidays. You can do this by looking at your current savings account balance. Subtract the amount you

want to keep in savings as your emergency and investment amounts to find your total holiday shopping budget. Once you have that number, you can write down the people on your holiday shopping gift list, and assign each person an amount of money you would like to spend on them. “[When you] know who you’re buying for it makes it easy to firm up your spending budget,” Langford said.

“Save money every month, starting in January.. . .Set up an automatic $100 transfer from your checking to your savings at the beginning of the month. By the time November rolls around, you’ll have $1,100 to holiday shop with,” Langford suggested.

Financial experts seem to agree. Chuck Czajka, is a Navy veteran, and founder and CEO of Macro Money Concepts in Stuart, Florida.

“Managing a holiday budget should start at the beginning of the year. Determine how much you want to spend and put it aside in a separate account…This account is nonoperational,” he said.

But don’t fret if you aren’t that organized with your holiday budgeting this year, you can still do some things to help you save some cash for the next several weeks:

• Don’t procrastinate. Shop sales when you see them. You can even do this throughout the year.

• Use apps like Qube Money that uses the popular envelope system or Tiller that helps you budget throughout the year.

• Cancel your cable or streaming services.

• Honey and Rakuten are two websites that offer cash back for purchases made on other sites- even Amazon, Walmart and Target participate.

“Don’t forget to use your military benefits when shopping for the holidays,” Langford said. Shop My Exchange, Id.Me.Shop, and GovX are all military-specific and provide discounts or lists of companies that give a military discounts online.

The military exchanges are also offering a new layaway program as well. Layaway not only helps you pay for what you can manage in a certain time frame, but also allows you to stick to your monthly budget. There are several different options for layaway, from 30 days for clothing and handbags up to 120 days on fine jewelry. A deposit purchase of $25 and 15% of the item’s purchase price, plus service fees are required to put your items on layaway at any military exchange. You can find out more information by visiting the Exchange

website at https://www.aafes.com/ exchange-stores/layaway/

Cjazka notes that other websites, like MyMilitarySaves.com and Operation Here We Are are great resources to find additional deals.

Wayne Brown, an Army veteran and co-founder of PARCO, a financial services firm in Washington D.C., notes that COVID-19 may actually help when it comes to finding deals and savings.

“It is also important to keep in mind that because of all of the COVID-19 turmoil, many retailers are offering savings to military personnel in addition to offering COVID-related savings. That means that this year especially, doing your shopping early can help make the holidays less stressful,” he said.

Even if your family is in a good place financially, you should start considering your holiday budget about six to eight weeks using the funds you have saved away throughout the year. Budgeting is a great way to keep your family on track, make sure your nest eggs continues to thrive, and help your family prepare for the unexpected - like a worldwide pandemic.

Veteran-owned businesses to shop from for your entire family

by Jessica Evans

COVID is going to change the way this year’s celebrations take place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the sparkle and joy of this delightful season for everyone on your list. We’ve compiled a holiday gift-giving guide full of veteran- and militaryspouse owned companies to make it just a little easier for you to find something for your extended family, friends and teachers.

Shopping from this list means you can feel good knowing your money is going to help support members in our military community directly. Most of the businesses are certified by the  National Veteran-Owned Business Association  and the  Buy Veteran Movement , two of the most exclusive associations to which veteran-owned businesses can belong.

Find the perfect gift this year for everyone and support military-family run businesses this holiday season.

For the foodie

What says the holidays better food and drink? These food and spirit companies are all veterans owned and produce some of the most flavorful bourbon, moonshine, cider and snacks around.

Our featured spirits creator is  Willie’s Distillery , located in Montana. Willie’s Montana Moonshine is a clear corn-based spirit that has a taste profile similar to tequila. It makes the best margaritas! Willie’s also offers a Bighorn Bourbon, named for the majestic Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram. This bourbon is extra smooth and can mix perfectly with your favorite bitters. Out of state customers can visit this website to place an order

Fire Corn Popcorn is run by three Air Force veterans. Their popcorn comes in white cheddar jalapeno and original. It’s the perfect stocking

stuffer for someone who loves a little bite with their beverage.

Vodka fans might enjoy  Revolution Vodka  and  Heroes Vodka . Both companies pride themselves on using strictly American grain in their distillation process.

Revolution Vodka uses non-GMO grain that’s distilled four times, making it one of the smoothest vodkas on the market.

Every purchase of Heroes Vodka is donated to American veterans, activity duty service members, and family programs.

Crazy Mikes Beef Jerky Company is perfect to send to a service member on deployment or just to have as a snack when they are in the field. They have a variety of flavors like original, buffalo wing, and aloha teriyaki. But if you really want to give them a kick in the pants, grab a pack of the ghost pepper variety.

Cider fans, rejoice! Three Kees

Cider is one of the only veteran-owned cider companies in America. Featuring handcrafted dessert ciders to barrelaged pear cider, there’s something for everyone at Three Knees.

For the fashionista

First up, Sword and Plough , which is doing really big things in the arena of veteran-owned businesses. Their mission is to take military materials and repurpose them into beautiful things. Sword and Plough’s mission is part empowering veteran employment and part conversation starter. Check out their complete line here

Fans of the woobie have reason to rejoice this holiday season.  Woobie Brothers Apparel  has made its mission to bring the soft warmth of a woobie to outerwear. The company

recently launched a new product line of sweatshirts made from repurposed woobies. Now that’s something to get excited about.

American Benchcraft is on a mission to make a better wallet that wouldn’t fall apart. So the company created a design made with a single piece of leather. Find out more  here

Bunker 27  is an apparel company that does a lot to give back to veteran service organizations. This USAF owned apparel company has everything from face masks to custom-made gear.

BUNKER 27 HOPE DESIGN

The ultimate mil-spouse accessories brand, R. Riveter  leans into what it means to be a part of the military community. Each R. Riveter handbag travels across the US as each part of the bag is crafted and secured by different military spouses across the country. What started with two military spouses has become a movement among the mil spouse community. Its mission is to empower mil spouses through access to a mobile and flexible source of income.

Hope Design is a mil-spouse owned jewelry and accessory company. Its Dandelion Collection remains one

of its most popular product lines and aims to remind mil spouses that it’s possible to bloom anywhere they’re planed. Hope Design also offers branch-specific accessories as well as the option to custom-create jewelry.

Bullets2Bandages is a socially conscious accessory company. Their flagship product is a line of bottle openers made from spent .50 caliber casings. Founded by two Naval EOD officers, this mission-driven accessory company has something for everyone.

For the health and wellness lover

HEROES VODKA

Diamond Bird is a veteran-owned, family-owned business that specializes in crafting toxin-free soaps and skincare products. Located in Colorado, Diamond Bird ships across the country. With a commitment to never skimping on quality, their product line is always free from palm-oil, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde or SLS/ SLES detergents. Their product line ranges from balms, butters and oils to soaks, teas and scrubs. Check out their complete listing here

Doc Spartan  makes Americanmade grooming essentials for men and women. The company believes in maintaining the accessibility of the American dream, so all of its operations are local to its headquarters in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Stubble + ‘Stache  was founded by a Navy SEAL who started to grow out his beard after learning of his friend’s death by suicide. As his beard grew, the founder Nick Karnaze, discovered how uncomfortable facial hair can feel and he decided to do something about it. Stubble + ‘Stache was born. Now, the company donates a portion of its profits to veteran suicide prevention and other charities.

Dr. Dreidel and Jewish families celebrate traditions

by Dr. Nichole Weakley

As the holiday season approaches, and we begin to prepare our homes and schedules for upcoming events, it is important that we take the time to celebrate the diversity of our military families. Though the U.S. Armed Forces is predominantly made up of services members who identify as Christian, nearly every religion, creed, or conviction is represented under our stars and stripes. In the spirit of celebration and inclusivity, we’re delighted to have had the opportunity to connect with a number of military families to discuss their Jewish faith, holidays and ways they fold tradition into their military lives.

Though Hanukkah is one of the more well-known holidays many people are surprised to learn that it isn’t the most important. Jewish families often observe a weekly day of rest, known as Shabbat, starting at sundown on Friday evenings. The Jewish New Year is celebrated with the high holy days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Navy Cmdr. Marques “Dr. Dreidel”

Jackson and his wife, Amber, gave us insight on some of the traditions they practice at home, in communities and while deployed.

“On Rosh Hashanah,” stated Amber, “we are welcoming the New Year and we celebrate with apples and honey which represent a sweet new year and a round challah symbolizing the circularity of the seasons and the earth. On Yom Kippur we reflect on the past year and ask forgiveness from God.”

For Hanukkah, the Jackson’s light candles for eight nights, say blessings, exchange gifts, play dreidel and eat traditional foods including potato latkes and jellyfilled donuts called sufganiyot.

Erica Westmoreland, an Army spouse, enjoys making donuts with her family and delivering them to friends.

“Cooking and eating foods fried in oil reminds us of the miracle of Hanukkah, we use the same family recipe for

sufganiyot every year,” she said.

Purim is another holiday that is often celebrated by Jewish families, celebrating the survival of the Jews who had been marked for death by Persian rulers in the fifth century. The Jackson’s celebrate Purim by hosting a kid party, reading the Book of Esther, sharing food and performing acts of kindness.

“People wear costumes and there is a traditional cookie we make called hamantaschen,” she said.

Marques explained that while deployed, “Purim was made special by the distribution of Purim care packages from several Jewish charities that included megillat and hamantaschen.”

Passover is the final major holiday that Jewish families celebrate. When Marques was deployed in 2009 and 2010, he missed a number of holidays.

“While being away from family is

The Jackson family

always hard, it is especially difficult during the holidays. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower made Passover special during those two cruises by flying a Rabbi out to the carrier to perform the Seder service, preparing a special Sedar meal served in the wardroom and supplying Passover

compliant MREs,” he said.

Marques noted that these special MREs were provided by several Jewish charities. He also noted that Amber would send Passover compliant mandel bread from home.

“Being different in a largely homogenous organization is often challenging but can provide perks,” Marques stated.

One of the biggest challenges, Marques noted, was the time and effort required to explain things.

“This is an exhausting, but necessary part of being an outlier.”

Additionally, certain events like Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts can emphasize differences, but Marques was quick to point out that sometimes differences can have benefits.

“Some of the benefits I have experienced are not having duty on Shabbat, wine on deployment and Purim care packages. Despite the challenges, being different in a homogenous organization can be fun.”

“While the military is predominantly Christian, so is the U.S. in general,” Amber noted.

“At times it can seem somewhat isolating, but at the same time, it also brings people together. When you find other Jews, there is often a bond that forms quickly. We are good friends with several Jewish members of the military.”

“Likewise,” she continued, “we feel blessed that our non-Jewish friends help us celebrate when in remote areas that are lacking much of a Jewish community. In fact, we hosted Purim and Hanukkah parties where we were actually the only Jews. We were able to share our Jewish traditions with numerous military friends over the years and teach them a bit about Judaism while they helped us to carry out our traditions.”

Amber concluded, “Mutual respect and appreciation made all the difference.”

The Westmoreland family

The Jackson family shares holiday traditions with their Navy friends of different faiths.