Broken Arrow Marine's Family Celebrates Christmas In October

Newson6.com

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- A Broken Arrow Family is celebrating Christmas a little early.

Twenty-six-year-old Lance Corporal Jared Honeyman is deploying to Afghanistan in a few days. And his family didn't want him to miss out on the holidays.

These are games and weather more suited for a summer picnic. But it's not summer. It's Christmas in the Honeyman household.

"I'm kind of glad because I didn't want them to think we lost our minds in the middle of October," said Debi Honeyman, Jared's mother.

The neighbors wondered why the Honeyman's were hauling out the holiday decorations, a tree, lights, and the works. Once they found out why, they understood.

Marine Jared Honeyman won't be here this year. He'll be deployed overseas.

"It means a lot to me to be able to have all our family come together and celebrate Christmas," Debi said.

The Lance Corporal had no clue his family was transforming their still green Green Country backyard into a faux winter wonderland.

"It was a big surprise. Christmas is one of those things that it's a big deal to my family. We always celebrate it," Jared said.

The big family played their own Christmas inspired version of "Survivor," with Christmas carols "Fa la la la laing" in the background.

"He knew me. He knew I wouldn't do it if he wasn't here," Debi said.

"Just give them peace, so that way they know that I've had Christmas in a somewhat normal fashion. Granted it's 90 degrees today and October. But it was a good surprise," Jared said.

And the Honeyman's say the festivities wouldn't be complete without some gift giving. All to Jared who says he doesn't like being the center of attention. But he appreciates the effort, love, and support of his family.

"Family is the center of all that and we just get together and have fun," Jared said.

Lance Corporal Honeyman will spend seven months in Afghanistan. His mom says she will leave the Christmas decorations up, but it won't be the same without Jared. The family says they were happy they could all get together today no matter the date on the calendar.