Wordless Wednesday Holiday Deployment

Army 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team Captain Bob Kolb and his wife of seven months, Lisa, fill out commitment cards as part of a vow renewal ceremony on Dec. 12, 2009, ahead of Kolb's deployment to Iraq. © Photo by Stephen Morton/Getty Images

My husband left for Italy yesterday, so he could spend the holidays with his mother and sisters. I'm pretty sad, but then I think of the many military families who will be separated by oceans and war over the holiday season. And my situation isn't all that bad. A case of the sniffles and some bad fruit cake is about the worst my husband will have to confront while he's gone. I can't imagine living with the worry of having a loved one in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan or some other war torn part of the world. The holidays must be particularly hard because during this time of year, you have a need to be close to your spouse and all the people with whom you feel close.

Those who are deployed are often gone for one year or more. Being apart for so long can be tough on a marriage. There are temptations, and it's difficult to keep to your commitments. Recognizing this, the Army had soldiers and their spouses recently take part in a vow renewal ceremony. It had them promising once again to commit to one another. It's a way to continue to build trust. Maybe having their vows fresh in their minds will help couples fight temptation and stay true to one another. What do you think?

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My husband left for Italy tonight. He'll be spending the holidays there, while I stay in the United States. We often rely on webcams, text messages, and phone calls when we are in different continents. Lately, however, I have been hearing about couples sexting each other or sending each other sexy text messages. Often, these messages are between those who are having affairs and not spouses. But spouses might consider sexting, especially when they can't be together. It's the new cyber sex, after all. I don't know if we're ready for it. But I do think if sexting can help couples keep their passion alive, they should consider it. What do you think? Take our poll below.

My husband is going to visit his mom in Italy for Christmas and I'll be in the States, so we celebrated the holiday together yesterday. To say it was a disaster is an understatement. He basically liked two of his stocking stuffers and none of the other gifts I picked out. He's convinced the button-down will make him look fat and swears he never wears sweaters even though I know he wears at least one while he's with me in the States. I already decided to regift, so relatives and friends who fit into an extra large should get ready for goodies. In the end, I declared I would never buy my husband another article of clothing again. I cried. And then I felt like I don't even know this person -- my husband -- at all. It put me in a foul mood and had me feeling like a grinch all day.

Those of you who celebrate Christmas have a few days to make sure that you don't make the same mistakes I did. If your husband or wife is particularly picky about clothes, don't buy them for him or her. Come up with another gift idea. You could do something, such as a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, spa treatments for two (which is a gift for you, too), or some sort of electronic gadget (think flat screen, Wii, etc.) Or you could opt to make a more sentimental gift or give your spouse a freebie (think massages, kisses, and hot sex).

If you are courageous enough to buy clothes for your husband or wife, refrain from picking items in which you would like to see him or her. Choose items that you think he or she would like and that match their taste. I mistakenly chose a sweater and shirt combo that I thought would make my husband look even more handsome, but the look made him feel fat. If I had just thought more about what he likes and less about what I like, I might have chosen better. Learn from my mistakes.

As I was crying because of my disappointment that these gifts I spent hours picking out and wrapping did not bring him pleasure, my husband came over, hugged me, and told me I was the greatest gift he ever received. That's something special -- and we should all be grateful for our spouses everyday but especially during this time of year. The gift isn't as important as the meaning and sentiment behind it. Indeed, it is the thought that counts.

Wordless Wednesday Holiday Decorating

Christmas trees at Disney World inspire visitors to decorate their own homes for the holidays. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

My husband and I returned late last night from a vacation at Disney World. Now, I'm more in the holiday spirit than ever. I'm all about decorating my house with greens and garland and ornaments galore. Lucky for me About.com is offering a helping hand for anyone who wants to make their holidays -- and their home -- extra special. Here is some help for us all --

Holiday Survival Guide for Newlyweds

Budget Decorating for the Holidays

Decorating and Craft Ideas

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