USO Naples Brings the Spirit of Christmas to Support Site

The roars of Santa’s jolly laughter and the joyous sound of Christmas music could be heard for miles during the USO Naples Christmas Lane event at the NSA Naples Support Site. Military service members and their families came out on a chilly but sunny December day to find holiday booths lining the pathway of Central Park. Each booth, colorfully decorated in holiday cheer, featured a fun, family-friendly Christmas activity for guests to enjoy. At one booth, children checked in with two of Santa’s elves to see if they made the nice list, each of them being awarded an official “Nice Certificate” for their good behavior this past year. At another, families enjoyed samples of traditional Italian Christmas treats like panettone, pandoro, and struffoli. These common Italian desserts can be found at nearly every pasticceria around the Christmas holiday. But, many families who are celebrating their first Christmas in Italy this year had yet to try these sweet treats, making this specific booth one that deserved a pause.

Attending a traditional Christmas market is one of the most common ways to celebrate the winter holiday in Europe. The USO Naples Christmas Lane aimed to bring that same feeling of holiday spirit but with traditions that reminded families of their home in the states. From creating reindeer food kits to a hot chocolate bar, there were plenty of opportunities for families to gear up for the quickly approaching Christmas holiday. At the end of the event was Old Saint Nick himself, using a shiny red fire truck as his sleigh to sit upon. Families gathered quickly to meet Santa and get a professional photo taken with him while children eagerly shared their Christmas wish lists as they made their way up to see him.

Holiday events like Christmas Lane allow the USO to not only bring a sense of comfort during the holiday season but also a sense of home to those stationed overseas and away from their family and friends. At the core of the USO, it is their mission to ensure that no matter the place or time of year, that service members and their families feel connected to their home through the traditions that they hold dear. From getting their photo taken with Santa to enjoying a lively holiday event with craft kits and hot cocoa, these simple, yet crucial activities are what make the holidays so full of cheer.