Hey all. :hehe
This is my first deployment. I'd love to give DB a surprise welcome home party during his leave...But I'm not sure how he'll be when he gets home!
Will he be happy I made plans for something like this or upset because I didn't let him know what was going on?
I've heard many warnings that they might just want to relax when they get home, which is great! But how do I get everyone involved in welcoming him home?
I'd appreciate your advice!! Let me know your experiences please!

i know when i ran the idea by Df, he didnt care for it. he just wanted to come home and relax and not have to talk to a million people about "what it was like" and "were you scared", crap like that. he just wanted to be home, rest, and hang out with minimal people

I've never done a welcome home party but I'm planing one for this homecoming. I'm planing our for a couple of days after he gets home. They do usually want to relax so I personally at least for my husband would not do it right away as the same day. I'm sure he will actually like the surprise but I know that 1st day he just wants to spend it with me and crash on bed.

i don't know, they're all different. they all like to know that family/friends care and aknowledge what the do and they're glad they're home. but honestly, my husband works 16-20 everyday out there when they are out to sea, sometimes longer, 20-28 hours straight. the only break he gets is when he's in port. all he wants when he gets home, is a good hot cooked meal and the bed! sleep! so.. they're all different.. good luck tho!

My family tried the suprise party thing for my cousin when she got back from IRaq, and it was a DISASTER! Everyone was trying to ask her what it was like,ect and she felt kinda ambushed by everyone. So the next time she came home, everyone left her alone for the first few days, but sent a bunch of cards and stuff to the house and her hubby and son hung them up and decorated. So it was kinda a mini party with just her hubbs and son, and that was MUCH better. Abotu 4 or 5 days after she got back we all got together for a big barbque. I recomend somethign similar

I wouldn't do it during his first week home. A party is a great idea, if he's up for it.