As the year winds down and the holiday season fills the air with cheer, it’s time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The holidays are finally here! It’s that magical time when the air feels a little crisper, twinkling lights brighten even the gloomiest days, and we get to pause and focus on what matters most connection.
This season has a way of bringing people together, whether we ’ re sharing old traditions or starting new ones. Maybe it’s baking cookies that taste just like childhood or video calling loved ones miles away, laughing over awkwardly sung carols. Whatever makes your holidays special, it’s about the people, the moments, and the love we pour into them. Patrick & Maria
In this issue, we ’ re diving into what makes the holidays meaningful for so many stories of togetherness, ideas for giving back, and ways to make your space feel festive, no matter where you call home. We hope these pages inspire you to embrace the season with open arms and maybe try something new along the way.
Here’s to slowing down, being present, and soaking up all the joy this time of year has to offer From our team to you and yours, wishing you a season filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of magic.
WARM WISHES
For many families, this time is filled with warmth, traditions, and a sense of togetherness. But for military families, the holidays can often look a little different. With deployments, new assignments, and constant changes in routine, it can sometimes feel like the holiday magic is a bit harder to capture.
But even with all the moving parts, there’s still so much to celebrate The beauty of military life is the resilience it fosters the way families learn to make the most of whatever comes their way.
Here’s how military families find joy, meaning, and connection during the holidays:
Celebrating the Holidays as a Military Family: Finding Joy in Togetherness
The holiday season has a way of making us pause and reflect on the year that’s passed.
Making New Traditions
For military families, traditions aren’t always set in stone. Sometimes, they have to be adjusted or completely reinvented. You may not be able to go back home for Christmas every year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create new traditions wherever you are. Maybe it’s having a “Christmas Eve breakfast” instead of dinner or decorating the house with memories from each new duty station Some years, you might find yourself in an entirely new place, with new people, and new ways of celebrating and that’s okay. It’s about making those moments your own, no matter where you are.
Staying Close Across the Miles
Even if you ' re far from family, the holidays don’t have to feel lonely. Technology has made staying connected easier than ever whether it’s a FaceTime call with grandparents, sending a surprise care package, or even organizing a virtual holiday game night. There’s something so special about finding ways to connect with loved ones, even when you can’t be together in person. While a phone call might not replace a warm hug, it’s still a beautiful reminder that no matter the distance, we ’ re never really apart.
The Gift of Giving Back
For military families, giving back is part of the season. There’s something about being part of a community that truly understands the value of helping others. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, organizing a toy drive, or simply reaching out to a neighbor who might need some extra support, the holidays are a time to spread kindness and lift up those around us It’s in these moments that we realize that even if we ’ re away from home, we can still create a sense of belonging and community wherever we are.
Celebrating the Unexpected
Living a military lifestyle means there’s always a little uncertainty, especially during the holidays. Sometimes, the plans we ’ ve made don’t go as expected someone might get called into work, travel plans may fall through, or a deployment could keep us apart. But in those moments, military families learn to adapt and find joy in the unexpected. A “not-quite-perfect” Christmas dinner or a holiday spent in a new place can still be filled with warmth, laughter, and love. What matters most is the spirit of the season, not the perfect set of circumstances.
Honoring Those Who Serve
The holidays are a time to honor the service and sacrifices of those who wear the uniform, and for military families, that’s something that runs deep If you ’ re spending the holidays with a service member who’s home on leave, or if your loved one is away on deployment, there’s a sense of pride in knowing they’re doing something important. It’s not always easy, but it’s always meaningful. Whether through small gestures or big celebrations, the holidays offer a chance to reflect on the strength and dedication of the people who serve and to share that appreciation with the rest of the family.
Embracing the Little Things
The holidays are often a whirlwind of activities, but sometimes, the best memories come from the quiet moments. A hot drink by the fireplace, a walk through the neighborhood to see the lights, or just watching the kids make their holiday wish lists. Military families have a unique way of finding joy in these small moments, knowing that even if everything else feels out of control, these little pieces of normalcy are what make the season feel special.
Being Present with Each Other
When the holidays roll around, it’s a reminder to slow down and truly be present with the people who matter most. Whether you ’ re together or apart, taking time to cherish the moments, appreciate the company, and embrace the love you share is what makes the season truly special. Even in the midst of hectic schedules or unpredictable situations, military families have a way of making the most of the time they do have with one another. And sometimes, that’s the greatest gift of all.
FASHION
TheMagicofaMakeove
This year has been filled with unforgettable moments and cou faces as we ’ ve brought surprise makeovers to families across From transforming living spaces into warm, inviting have cherished heirlooms a second life, every makeover has been a The joy, laughter, and sometimes tears of happiness have rem we do what we do Each smile tells a story of hope, resilience, a sense of belonging Here’s to the incredible transformations more incredible people behind them Watch them HERE
DIY Holiday Decor & More
Handmade
The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative and add a personal touch to your celebrations. Whether you ’ re looking to make your home feel festive or create meaningful gifts for friends and family, DIY projects offer endless possibilities. Plus, they’re a fun way to spend time together as a family or make the most of your holiday downtime. Here are some simple and enjoyable DIY ideas that will help you embrace the holiday spirit.
The holiday season is about connection, love, and making memories. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by creating your own gifts and decorations Handmade items aren’t just beautiful they carry personal significance and show the effort and thought you ’ ve put into making them.
When you take the time to create something by hand, whether it’s a gift or home decor, you ’ re offering more than just a physical item. You’re sharing a piece of yourself. Handmade gifts have emotional value that store-bought items simply can’t match They are a reflection of care, time, and attention, which makes them all the more special for the recipient. DIY projects also encourage creativity and personalization. You have the freedom to tailor each item to suit your style or the preferences of those you love. This flexibility allows for unique gifts and decorations that reflect your personality, creating a space or gift that feels truly one-of-a-kind
Another benefit of DIY during the holidays is the sense of accomplishment it brings. Crafting something from scratch provides a satisfying feeling of completing a project with your own hands. Plus, it’s a chance to slow down amidst the season ’ s hustle and focus on something meaningful, whether it’s a homemade wreath or personalized gift. Creating handmade items also fosters connection. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time with family or friends, and these projects can become cherished traditions that last for years to come
This holiday season, embrace the joy of making something by hand. Whether it’s a gift or decor, the love and effort you put into it will be felt by all who receive it, creating lasting memories and moments of joy.
B r i g h t
J o y f u l
r i e d
Add a warm, rustic touch to your holiday décor with this fragrant, all-natural garland made from dried oranges, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks. This simple DIY project brings the beauty and aroma of the season right into your home!
Materials:
4-5 oranges
Fresh or dried bay leaves (about 20-30)
Cinnamon sticks (10-15)
Twine or string
Needle and strong thread (or thin wire)
Scissors
Baking sheet and parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Dry the Oranges
1.
Slice the Oranges: Cut the oranges into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
2.
Dry in the Oven: Lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F (90°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping them halfway through. The oranges are done when they feel dry and slightly firm. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Garland String
Cut a piece of twine or string to your desired garland length Leave extra on both ends for hanging
Step 3: Thread the Garland
Using a needle with strong thread or thin wire, start threading your garland. Alternate between dried orange slices, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks: Start with a cinnamon stick: Thread the needle through the center of a cinnamon stick.
Follow with bay leaves: Stack 2-3 bay leaves and thread them through their center.
Add an orange slice: Pierce the orange slice near the top or middle and thread it on.
Repeat the pattern until you ’ ve used all your materials, leaving enough room between items for a balanced look.
Step 4: Tie Off the Ends
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Once your garland is complete, tie off the ends securely Add a loop of twine on each side for easy hanging The Finished Product
Hang your dried orange, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick garland across a mantle, along a staircase, or on a doorframe. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also fills your home with festive, natural scents!
Repurpose
In just minutes, you’ll have a custom, holiday-inspired vase perfect for your mantle, table, or as a gift!
The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative and add a personal touch to your home décor. One of the easiest ways to do this is by elevating simple, everyday items into beautiful, festive pieces Today, I’m sharing a fun, budget-friendly DIY project that transforms basic glass vases into gorgeous holiday décor using nothing more than hot glue, spray paint, and a little glitter. This is a perfect craft for any level, and you can use items you might already have around the house or pick up from a thrift store.
Materials:
Clear glass vase
Hot glue gun
Spray paint (white, gold, silver)
Printed holiday shape (like a snowflake)
Glitter
Ribbon or bow
Instructions:
Pick a Vase: Start with a clear vase from your home or thrift store.
Choose a Shape: Print a holiday shape (snowflake, tree, star) and tape it inside the vase.
Trace with Glue: Using hot glue, trace the shape onto the outside of the vase, creating a raised design
Spray Paint: Once the glue dries, spray paint the entire vase in your chosen color
Add Glitter: While the paint is wet, sprinkle glitter over the design for extra sparkle.
Finish with a Bow: Once dry, tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the vase for a final touch.
Create rustic snowflake ornaments from simple clothespins for a charming holiday decoration. Here's how!
Materials:
8 wooden clothespins
Hot glue gun
White or silver spray paint
Glitter (optional)
Ribbon or twine for hanging
Instructions:
1.
Disassemble Clothespins: Remove the metal spring, leaving you with 16 halves.
2.
Glue Halves: Glue the flat sides of two halves together. Repeat for all pieces.
4.
3. Paint: Spray the entire snowflake. Add glitter for extra sparkle.
Form Snowflake: Arrange the glued pieces in a snowflake pattern and glue where they touch.
Attach Ribbon: Glue ribbon or twine to the back for hanging. 5.
In just a few steps, you’ll have a handcrafted snowflake perfect for your tree or gifts!
DIY Clothes Pin Ornaments
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traditions to life. Whether it’s the scent of a favorite recipe baking in the oven, the twinkle of ornaments passed down through generations, or the songs we sang as kids, this season is a bridge between past and present
It’s in these little moments that we find comfort, joy, and connection reminders of where we come from and the memories we ’ re creating for the future. As we celebrate, we carry those traditions with us, blending the old with the new to keep the magic alive
B R A N C H E S
B E H I N D T H E
OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST BAKE
Holiday mornings are often full of excitement, from opening presents to catching up with family, and the last thing you want is to spend all your time in the kitchen. This French toast bake allows you to enjoy a delicious breakfast without the stress. You can make it ahead of time, let the ingredients soak overnight, and then just bake it the next morning. It’s a perfect way to feed a large group, whether you ' re hosting family, friends, or just looking to fill up your crew with minimal effort.
This French toast bake is perfect for busy holiday mornings because you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you ’ re ready to eat.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of day-old French bread (or brioche for extra richness)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or half-andhalf for a richer bake)
1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting the loaf of French bread (or brioche) into cubes, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the custard is smooth.
3. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer the cubed bread in the dish, then pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. This is where the magic happens let the bread absorb the custard overnight.
4. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
5. Bake in the Morning: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 4550 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The custard should be set, and the bread cubes will have puffed up beautifully.
Once it’s baked, remove the French toast bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch, and drizzle with extra maple syrup. You can also top it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
It’s our families tradition that has come with us on every military move.
PUFF PASTRYSnowflake
Want a holiday recipe that’s impressive yet simple? This puff pastry snowflake is just the thing Made with storebought puff pastry, it’s as versatile as it is beautiful Fill it with sweet or savory ingredients our version combines creamy goat cheese with sweet fig jam for a festive delight.
Ingredients:
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup fig jam
A SHOW-STOPPING HOLIDAY TREAT SWEET OR SAVORY
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1.
Layer the Filling: Place one puff pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking sheet Spread goat cheese evenly, leaving a small border. Add a layer of fig jam on top.
2.
Top and Seal: Lay the second puff pastry sheet over the first and press gently to seal.
3
Mark the Center: Use a small bowl to make a circular imprint in the middle.
4.
Cut and Twist: Slice the pastry into 16 sections around the center. Twist each section two or three times, alternating directions, to form a snowflake shape.
5.
Egg Wash and Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 385°F for 25 minutes or until golden. Follow package instructions for best results.
Customization Ideas:
Try savory fillings like pesto and mozzarella, or sweet options like Nutella and hazelnuts.
This festive puff pastry snowflake is perfect for any holiday table. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to wow your guests.
NoBake PretzelWreath
Add a festive twist to your cookie exchange with these adorable no-bake pretzel wreath cookies! Made with pretzels, melted chocolate, and colorful sprinkles, these treats are as easy as they are cute Perfect for when you ’ re short on time but still want to impress. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike Whip up a batch and share the holiday cheer no oven required!
everyone! I'm Erin, the owner and founder of The Dainty Forces Company.
I am a military spouse of an incredible husband and mom to three huskies. We currently are stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu.
I worked as a diamond sales specialist for over 3 years, and in late 2022 I decided to quit my job. I did not have a plan or a vision in sight of what I wanted to accomplish and was confused about where I wanted to go from there. I just knew that jewelry is more than a piece of metal, it's a moment, a story, a meaning.
Being a military spouse, there are so many leaps and bounds you have to go through while your service member is away, and that's when the idea came to me. Creating meaningful pieces of jewelry that bring joy to whoever wears them and creating a special meaning behind each piece. Each piece is carefully hand-crafted with your story in mind.
From one military family to another, I'm thankful you ' re here. Aloha
oak leaf lane
