One the soldier's daughter was born just before they headed off on their tour in Syria.
Christmas in April will be the reality for one local member of the Defence Forces serving overseas during the festive period.
Gunner Adam Phelan from Westmeath is on his first tour of duty as part of the 64th Infantry Group on a peacekeeping mission to Syria.
His wife gave birth to their daughter just days before he entered quarantine ahead of his deployment.
He thinks the separation is sometimes more difficult for those back in Ireland:
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