Every year around this time, the same question starts floating through the group chat: “Are we doing a formal dinner this year, or is it another potluck situation?”

If you’ve ever been part of a National Guard unit, you know exactly what I mean. It’s that in-between time when we’re half in uniform, half in ugly Christmas sweaters, and no one’s quite sure if we’re supposed to bring our own dish or just show up with good vibes and a bag of chips.

But honestly? That’s what I love about it.

There’s something about Guard holiday parties that feels like coming home. You’ve got Soldiers wrangling their kids while trying to balance paper plates, leadership trying to make a serious speeches in the most informal setting, and someone’s spouse already organizing next year’s Secret Santa before dessert even hits the table.

It’s not perfect. It’s not polished. But it’s us.

One of my favorite memories was the year my 1SG helped create a makeshift booster seat out of our TMs so my kids could actually reach the table. Right there, in the middle of the chaos and laughter it hit me. This is what Guard family looks like. People who’ve got your back not just in uniform, but when your kids are trying to eat mac-n-cheese from chin level.

These gatherings are where the “military family” part of the Guard really shines. It’s the people who’ve spent weekends training together, pulling long shifts, and still choose to spend their off-time laughing, eating, and swapping deployment stories over crockpot chili and homemade cookies.

Whether it ends up being a formal dinner with a guest speaker or a last-minute potluck in the armory, it’s less about the setup and more about the people. Because at the end of the day, the Guard isn’t just who you serve with, it’s who shows up for you year after year, no matter the mission or the menu.

And honestly, ain’t no party like a Guard party… because a Guard party’s got heart. This is what Guard Life looks like at the holidays!

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Holidays!