U.S. Troops Abroad Embrace New Traditions to Celebrate Christmas Across the Pacific
TOKYO, Japan — As families across the United States gather around festive tables this holiday season, thousands of U.S. troops stationed overseas are marking Christmas in ways that blend tradition with the realities of deployment. From bases scattered across the Pacific region to naval vessels at sea, American service members are creating new customs that honor the spirit of the season while fulfilling their missions.
While Christmas celebrations abroad rarely mirror those at home, many military installations have embraced creative approaches to foster camaraderie and boost morale. Workspaces, barracks, and dining facilities are adorned with lights, trees, and improvised decorations, transforming austere environments into spaces of warmth and cheer. Special holiday meals are a centerpiece of the festivities, with commanders and senior enlisted leaders often serving food to their troops, reinforcing a sense of community and shared purpose.
Chaplains play a vital role in these observances, holding Christmas services whenever schedules and security conditions permit. These gatherings take place in chapels, hangars, or makeshift venues, offering moments of reflection and spiritual comfort. For sailors aboard ships, the holiday is observed between watches, with decorated mess decks and carefully planned meals accommodating the demands of ongoing operations.
In recent days, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reached out personally to service members stationed around the globe, including those in South Korea, Kuwait, Norway, Greenland, and aboard a Navy aircraft carrier operating in the Pacific. These morale calls from the Pentagon acknowledged the sacrifices made by troops who stand watch far from home and highlighted the diverse missions continuing through the holiday period. The Department of Defense’s commitment to supporting its personnel during such times is a testament to the enduring bond between leadership and service members.
Japan hosts a significant number of U.S. troops year-round, and bases there have developed unique traditions to support those away from family during the holidays. At Yokota Air Base, the annual “Cookie Crunch” event saw leaders delivering baked cookies to airmen living in dormitories, a gesture designed to provide comfort and a taste of home. Other installations across Japan and the Pacific organized concerts, communal meals, and volunteer activities, often involving host-nation communities to strengthen ties and foster goodwill.
The U.S. Band of the Pacific contributed to the festive atmosphere by performing holiday music for local audiences, using seasonal concerts as a platform for cultural engagement. One of the military’s most visible holiday initiatives in the region, Operation Christmas Drop, showcased the capabilities of the U.S. and allied forces to rapidly mobilize and project power through airlift operations. This longstanding tradition not only delivers gifts and supplies to remote island communities but also reinforces partnerships and humanitarian outreach.
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to maintaining morale and esprit de corps among deployed troops, even during times of separation from loved ones. The Department of Defense continues to prioritize the well-being of service members through such initiatives, recognizing that the holiday season can be especially challenging for those serving overseas.
In addition to festive celebrations, the military’s logistical prowess ensures that holiday meals include familiar dishes, often shipped from the United States to provide comfort and continuity. This attention to detail underscores the importance placed on tradition and the acknowledgment of service members’ sacrifices.
As the world marks the holiday season, the resilience and adaptability of U.S. troops abroad stand out. Through new traditions, community events, and heartfelt gestures, these men and women honor their duty while keeping the spirit of Christmas alive far from home. For more information on military holiday support programs and overseas operations, visit the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy official sites.
This Christmas, while many celebrate with family and friends, American service members continue to serve with dedication, embodying the values of sacrifice and unity that define the holiday season.
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