deployment countdownNo matter if it’s a couple of weeks or a year, deployment seems like it takes FOR-EV-ER. You think it would be better after the halfway point, but IMO, it just makes you antsier.  I love the idea of having a countdown to homecoming because it places a positive spin on things. Instead of feeling sad that your deployed service member is gone, you feel excited for his return.

It definitely helps to have a visual representation of when your service member is coming home. Having a countdown to homecoming is fun for just the spouse or the whole family. It gives you something to look forward to every morning knowing that you are one. step. closer. Hopefully, the countdowns are accurate but we know the military can  LIE TO US. Here are 25 creative ways to countdown to homecoming.

Custom+Military+Deployment+Countdown+Paper+Chain+by+AndreaArch,+$15.00, etsy.com
Custom+Military+Deployment+Countdown+Paper+Chain+by+AndreaArch,+$15.00, etsy.com

Customized Paper Chains


Found on runnerarmywife.blogspot.com
Found on runnerarmywife.blogspot.com

52 Cards with sweets sayings



Found on a-day-in-jens-life.blogspot.com
Found on a-day-in-jens-life.blogspot.com

Giant Calendar



pinterest.com/srene820/
pinterest.com/srene820/

Daddy Tree, take off a leaf each day



pinterest.com/karodriguez4/
pinterest.com/karodriguez4/

Custom Jars, use candy, marbles, rocks, etc.


Found on awescience.com
Found on awescience.com

Shred Each Day Down


pinterest.com/sawyerme07/
pinterest.com/sawyerme07/

Completing the puzzle, add a piece each day



http://www.pinterest.com/sawyerme07/
pinterest.com/sawyerme07/

Build an “aquarium”, add a fish for each day



Found on perpetualkid.com
Found on perpetualkid.com

For those who like countdowns to be automated



Found on singingthroughtherain.net
Found on singingthroughtherain.net

Countdown by events through the use of visuals



Found on buzzfeed.com
Found on buzzfeed.com

Get a sugar rush each day



Found on pinterest.com
Found on pinterest.com

Customize a map and color a square for each day



Found on indulgy.com
Found on indulgy.com

Never forget why you’re doing a countdown



Found on pinterest.com
Found on pinterest.com

Tip the scale in your favor



Found on twinisms.com
Found on twinisms.com

Follow Dad’s March



pinterest.com/kbooker911/
pinterest.com/kbooker911/

Build a box of memories, give to him at homecoming



www.pinterest.com/stephjsanders/
pinterest.com/stephjsanders/

Make your countdown into wall art



Found on ohhappyday.com
Found on ohhappyday.com

Fill each envelope with a “reward” for making it to that point



Found on ohhappyday.com
Found on ohhappyday.com

Cheap, and easy to make!



Found on splitcoaststampers.com
Found on splitcoaststampers.com

Incorporate his dog tags



pinterest.com/finnleesmama/
pinterest.com/finnleesmama/

Pay homage to his vessel



pinterest.com/teachems11/
pinterest.com/teachems11/

Make it a game



Found on mailebelles.blogspot.com
Found on mailebelles.blogspot.com

Envelopes holds an activity to do or an encouraging quote



Found on pinterest.com
Found on pinterest.com

Because Deployment Sucks



Found on houzz.com
Found on houzz.com

Last but not least, use only if you have self control…

Have you used any of these deployment countdown ideas? Be sure to add your own in the comments

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