As the holiday season approaches, families across the country are preparing for special gatherings, traditions, and moments of togetherness. However, for most military families, the holiday season can remind us just how precious time spent with loved ones can be.
With most military loved ones missing out on the holidays, these families can attest to just how precious time spent with loved ones truly is. Among the sea of Nashville military parents is local Franklin real estate agent Ruth Picha, who is no stranger to the gaps of loneliness that military service can bring.
Eagerly awaiting the return of her son, Sam, who is a 25-year-old deep sea diver in the Navy, Ruth shares the highs and lows that many families may experience during what is said to be the most wonderful time of the year.
Gleaming with pride as she shares about Sam’s service in places such as Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Ukraine, Australia, and Cuba, Ruth shares her excitement to have him home for this holiday season, something that has not happened since 2019. "I can't wait to have Sam home for the holidays," she said, as her eyes sparkled with anticipation. "The first thing he wants is a home-cooked meal, so he will definitely get that."
Sam chimed into the conversation sharing, "I've missed my mom's cooking and all those family traditions. From the stuffing to the evergreen candles, it's the little things that make the holidays at home feel special."
"We have family flying in to visit, and we plan to go to a Preds game and attend a Keith Urban concert. Of course, we'll hit Broadway for live music – it's something Sam loves,” says Ruth.
As for the holiday feasts, Ruth reminds us that even a meal shared can turn back the time of traditions passed down. "We're going to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal since Sam has to leave just before Christmas, as well as have our traditional family Christmas dinner, prime rib. Those meals bring back so many memories of past holidays."
One holiday tradition they eagerly plan to kickstart together is decorating the house for Christmas. Ruth fondly recalls, "Decorating the house for Christmas is the first thing I will have us doing together. We've been doing it since he was a child. Not to mention, his height (6’5”) really comes in handy when it comes to those hard-to-reach places."
Ruth shares with genuine warmth that the most exciting part of Sam’s time at home is that she just gets to be in the same room as her son again. "For me, what I enjoy is simply having him around, making meals for him. I just love looking over and seeing him sitting on the couch watching TV, watching him love on the pups, or just sitting at the kitchen island chatting with his sister and my husband. The little things that we take for granted, I just really try to soak up while he's home. It's also great to have all of his friends come around and listen to them reminisce about high school."
Tradition runs deep in the military blood and service members do whatever they can to make the season bright. While it is never the same as being home for the holidays, being around those who share the same experience as them is said to be helpful for most.
Discussing family traditions that the Pichas have managed to keep alive while Sam has been away, he explained, "When I'm gone, it's just not the same. We just try to keep the day low-key and do normal activities like going to the gym. So that is what my friends and I do."
As for starting new traditions with friends while away, Sam laughed and said, "I'm not sure about starting new traditions, but I always bring my mom's stuffing to our holiday gatherings. It's a must-have, and my crew loves it. I have not been home for the holidays since 2019, so I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving through December 5th, when we'll celebrate Christmas while I'm home. But I look forward to my mom's cooking – it's just not the same when I'm away,” Sam lovingly shares.
Having never truly left Nashville behind him, Sam’s room is set up with local Franklin and Nashville gifts and memoirs. This sentimental setup is proof that no matter where a military loved one may be in the world, they will always value those small reminders that make even the most unfamiliar places feel like home.
The Picha family's story is a testament to the resilience and love that all military families share. As they prepare to welcome Sam home for the holiday season, their traditions, special moments, and the simple joy of having their loved one close by will fill their hearts with warmth and love. The Picha family, like many other military families, understand the value of togetherness during
the holidays, cherishing the memories that they can make together, and holding onto their enduring traditions.
May we always remember that there is no place like home for the holidays.
To learn how you can bring a piece of home to someone in the armed services, please visit:
