Homecoming is a topic that brings a smile to my face, which is then quickly replaced with a feeling of knots and butterflies. After helping my friend Row through her first homecoming I thought it would be fun to share some tips with you all. Feel free to add your own!

Before we start, it is very important you get your homecoming arrangements with regards to base access squared away well ahead of time. This can include making sure you have your ID, making sure your service member has added you to the list if there is one, paperwork if you've come from out of town and rented a car, etc.

Do everything that can be done in advance before the two week mark. The last two weeks before homecoming go very quickly. Here are some things we planned in advance:

1. Cleaning - Deep clean your house/apartment two weeks before your service member comes home so you only have to spot clean before you go.
2. Food Shop - Don’t wait until the last minute to food shop. Make a list of everything he or she likes so you don’t forget to grab it while you are doing your regular food shopping.
3. Prettify - Make all your appointments in advance. Such as your hair appointments, nails, etc. Use a day planner to keep track of your appointments.
4. Pack up your bag for homecoming day the night before - For tips on what to pack, check out my Homecoming: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Leave Without Blog Entry.
5. Make time to exercise - Run that extra mile the night before so you can sleep better, but be careful, don’t want to exercise right before you sleep. That might make it even harder to visit dream land. Is running not for you? Try doing some light yoga to relax instead.
6. Make reservations, or do all the prep work for dinner the night before – homecoming meals are easily looked over. Make reservations for your favorite dinner spot. If you’re cooking that night, you can chop most of your veggies the night before and just store them. Less time cooking, more time being with your service member!
7. Consider doggie daycare – I can’t take credit for this one, Row has an adorable dog. She put her dog in doggie daycare for the day so she wouldn’t be left by herself all day.
8. Embrace the rush – Journal, write it all down. Preparing for homecoming is part of the memory. Write it all down, how you feel and what you did, make it a memory worth remembering.
9. Roll with the punches – Yeah I know, after all this stuff I wrote about planning right? Just realize that sometimes things may not always be what you planned but hey as long as you have your loved one, it’s all water under the bridge right?
10. Smile, it will all be wonderful – And don’t forget to breathe!

Congratulations ladies! Having your loved one home is a great time to celebrate.

Last update : 09/30/2009 01:24 PM

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