Advent calendars are now being opened, the sprouts are on, and the countdown to Christmas has begun.
Many are planning their festive fun with family and friends, looking forward to a few days off work and the chance to watch the latest hilarious Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special.
Some people – such as police, firefighters, NHS staff, air traffic controllers, HM Coastguard – will be working over the holiday season. They, however, can return home at the end of their shift for a festive feast and a spot of rest and relaxation.
But there are those in the Armed Forces far from home – on Royal Navy vessels at sea or Army and Royal Air Force personnel deployed on peacekeeping and other ops, or on alert in the UK – and despite advances in technology, distant from their families.
There are those, too, no longer in the Armed Forces, but for myriad reasons also distant, just in different ways. Forces’ life can, after all, play havoc with relationships and family break-ups are commonplace.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is there for them all and remembers them all, and it is inviting everyone to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026.
All you have to do is visit ssafa.celebrationpage.org/Christmas to leave your message to those serving and those now in Civvy Street.
It’s easy and it’s free, and it might just bring a bit of seasonal cheer to those away from home or alone this Christmas.
There is also the option of contributing to SSAFA’s 2025 Christmas appeal to help make sure that no-one in the Armed Forces community ever battles alone.
You can read Nick’s story at ssafa.org.uk/Christmas.
