Creating Christmas Magic When Apart: A Guide for FIFO Families
The Christmas season is always exciting, filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday traditions. But, for many fly in fly out (FIFO) families, it can also feel a little bittersweet and overwhelming, knowing that your FIFO family member (in most cases Husbands/Dads) won’t be home Christmas Day. This feeling rings true for other essential worker and defence families. They too, keep the world running while the rest of us lovingly celebrate Christmas, family and togetherness.
As a FIFO wife and author of the children’s book collection FIFO & Me, I understand challenges FIFO families face, especially around the holidays. With a little thought and preparation, FIFO families can still create beautiful holiday memories, even if daddy is working away. Here are a few practical tips and tricks I’ve discovered over the years.
Communication is Key
I always like to prepare my little ones if daddy will be away for a special event, especially Christmas. Giving them time to process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions helps them understand what’s happening. This open line of communication provides them with the love and reassurance they need, and it can help to reduce anxiety.
We are fortunate technology allows us to instantly connect, making it easier than ever to keep family close. From phone calls and video chats, to reading a bedtime story together are all ways to stay easily connected.
There are many educational books and resources available, including the FIFO & Me collection, to help children understand and cope with the unique challenges of the FIFO world. Knowing they aren’t alone; can help to ease any heartache and anxiety they may feel.
Pre-Christmas Celebration
Of course, many FIFO families are used to adjusting holidays like Father’s Day or birthdays to fit within the family’s FIFO roster. Christmas is no different! Celebrate early or when daddy gets home. The date might not match, but the celebration remains the same.
Parent Advent Calendar
Creating your own parent advent calendar during the Christmas month can be an easy way to stay connected, however it does require a bit of preplanning from dad! It can be filled with little surprise toys or fidgets, but I’d highly recommend a few handwritten notes and pictures from daddy for something special.
Waking up to sweet little messages from daddy can be a beautiful way to start that day, especially for children missing their morning cuddles.
Elf on the Shelf with a Twist
The Elf on the Shelf tradition can take on a whole new meaning in a FIFO family. Your family elf might visit daddy on shift or get up to mischief while daddy is sleeping. Each day, children can wake up to a new photo of what craziness their elf has been up to. Based on your own scale of the elf’s creativity it can be a simple, but meaningful way to maintain the Christmas cheer. Sometimes videocalls are a little tough to have conversations with our little one’s but there’s bound to be laughs if your mischievous elf makes it to daddy’s worksite.
Tip - An elf door is an easy way to explain how your elf is travelling between daddy and home.
Online Shopping for Gifts and Groceries
Mama, to save time and reduce stress, consider doing all your Christmas shopping online. Many businesses offer gift wrapping services, which can take that extra task off your hands too. Look out especially for upcoming Black Friday sales and online magazines for more helpful ideas.
Selfcare – Don’t Care!
Remember, that it's important for the non-FIFO parent to take care of yourself too. Managing a household during the holiday season can be really stressful. Make time for self-care whether it's using a sheet mask while watching some Christmas movie your hubby would never watch, reading a book when the children are finally asleep or connecting with friends for a coffee or cocktail. It’s ok to take time for yourself, you deserve it!
“From my own experience as a FIFO wife, I want all FIFO families to know that they’re not alone, YOU are not alone. With a little creativity and lots of love, Christmas can still be magical. You’ve got this, you’re going to have an amazing Christmas.”