DIY Military Traditions: Making the Marine Corps Life Your Own

Posted on: November 19,2025

Military life is full of traditions, some time-honored, some uniquely personal. From the crisp formality of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball to the tearful flag waves at homecomings, the rhythm of service life comes with its own culture. But what often gets overlooked are the traditions we build ourselves, the small, meaningful rituals that help us create stability, joy, and identity amid the unpredictability of military life.

Whether you’re a new spouse or a seasoned one, DIY military traditions can turn a challenging lifestyle into one that’s more personal, rooted, and even fun. Here’s how to create your own, and a few ideas to get you started.

Deployment Countdown Jars or Calendars

Create a countdown system that the whole family can take part in. It could be a jar with daily notes from your Marine, a chain of paper rings with fun messages, or a custom calendar with small activities or treats. It helps make the distance feel a little more manageable.

PCS Memory Books or “Duty Station Scrapboxes”

At each duty station, collect small mementos—maps, keychains, photos, ticket stubs—and place them in a box or binder. When it’s time to PCS, reflect on everything you experienced before starting your next chapter.

“Homecoming Eve” Ritual

The night before a homecoming, have a quiet moment to reflect. Whether it’s journaling, writing a letter, or a “welcome home” dinner with the kids, marking the transition from solo to shared life can be incredibly grounding.

Marine Corps Birthday Celebration 

Not attending the ball this year or want to include your children or friends? No problem. Celebrate at home! Bake a birthday cake for the Corps, read the birthday message aloud, or toast with friends. Make it a tradition your family looks forward to, even in sweatpants.

Promotion or Reenlistment Family Ceremonies

Your Marine’s career milestones can be celebrated as a family. Whether it’s a special dinner, a framed photo, or a small family-only moment, mark these occasions in your own meaningful way.

“First Dinner” Traditions at a new Duty Station

Nothing says “first dinner at a new house” more than pizza on the floor!  Maybe your family likes to go out for that first dinner in a new place.  Capture the moment with a photo and make it an event to remember!

“Last Day” Traditions Before Deployment or PCS

Make that last night before a deployment or move something sacred. Maybe it’s takeout from your favorite spot, matching pajamas for the kids, or writing notes to open later. It gives your Marine, and you, a sense of calm and love before big changes.

Holiday Substitutes

If your Marine is deployed during the holidays, create an alternate celebration day. Thanksgiving in January? Valentine’s Day in April? Why not! It’s the togetherness that matters most.

Themed Family Nights

Pick a night each week to celebrate being a family. Pizza and a movie! Trivia or game night! Taco Tuesday!  Sunday Funday! These little weekly markers can boost morale in a big way.

Marine Corps life can feel like a whirlwind, but these DIY traditions are your anchor. They offer a way to reclaim time, celebrate service, and connect with your family in authentic ways. Whether you’re at Camp Pendleton, Quantico, overseas, or somewhere in between, you have the power to shape your family’s story with love, humor, and creativity.  So go ahead start a new tradition today. The kind your kids will remember. The kind that helps your Marine feel missed and celebrated. The kind that says, “This is our military life—and we’ve made it our own.”