We signed up for the "Adopt A Soldier" program for Thanksgiving at the nearest military base, which happens to be a multi-service facility.  Many of our young military people are not able to go home for the holidays, so this is our way of giving them a little leisure, a little "family life,” and a lot of home-cooked food!
 
As it turned out, we had six young men, whom we found were all Navy. After we got home, we learned that they were all "culinary specialists" -- Navy COOKS! NO, they did not do any cooking while with us. We told them they had the day off!  They all agreed that the two things they wanted most were sleep and a home-cooked meal. They got both while they were with us! And filled plates to take back to base with them that evening! 
 
We don't know yet if the USO office will do the same thing for Christmas, but if they do we will again be a part of it.  And, if we are fortunate enough to share our Christmas with them, there will be some small gift for each of them under our tree. It is not the gift that counts, but the sharing. Sharing of our home, sharing of ourselves, and sharing of the real meaning of Christmas! Our way of giving each of them a "taste of home" when they can't get there in person. Irene

Hosting six Navy cooks for Thanksgiving – now that’s a lot of pressure! But I bet those boys loved every minute of their “taste of home” while letting someone else do the cooking. What’s your story? What are your plans for Christmas? Or tell me your goal(s) for the coming year? I’d love to hear from you today: D@Delilah.com.