USO Rota’s 12 Days of Christmas

This year starting on the 10th of December, USO Rota kicked off the annual 12 Days of Christmas program. For 12 days, the team hosted festive events for the community that aim to reach as many military service members as possible and provide them with some holiday happiness!

On the USS Ross, sailors walked into work on a chilly morning and were greeted by Christmas music, Frosty the Snowman, and the USO elves dancing and handing out gifts. Every sailor received a USO Holidays pack with all kinds of goodies inside; to ensure the sailors started their day off well, they were treated to joyful drinks like peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, and white chocolate hot cocoa. USO Rota also visited the USS Roosevelt, USS Porter, USS Arleigh Burke, Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 1 (NMCB-1), Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Company, Europe (FASTEUR) Marines, and even the deployed Air Force up at Morón Air Base to spread similar holiday joy over the 12 Days of Giveaways.

In addition to the expeditionary commands, USO Rota provided programming for military spouses, children, and other members of the community with days focused on festive holiday beverages, like Italian eggnog, salted caramel, and a hot cocoa bar! Military spouses had the opportunity to visit the USO Center to make their very own Christmas ornaments! While doing so, they enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the center, sipped on festive holiday lattes, met other spouses, and left with a special gift to put on their tree.

The 12 Days of Christmas officially concluded with the annual Operation Cookie Drop on both Christmas Eve and Day, where the USO Rota elves pranced around the base with holiday music and giddy smiles. The team handed out homemade cookies to servicemembers on duty to express a lot of thank-yous, love, and appreciation.

The feedback on these programs is always overwhelmingly positive! While the gifts are wonderful perks, the experience provided to every member of the community is what is truly remembered. The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times of the year for service members who are away from their families; the USO’s mission is to ensure a home away from home is provided to each service member and their family, especially those single, unaccompanied, or deployed. USO Rota couldn’t think of a better way to remind them of their favorite holiday traditions than spreading holiday joy!