It's an extra special holiday for a local family welcoming home their favorite soldier.

U.S. Army Specialist Maggie Bussell Ludwig arrived at Grand Junction airport Thursday afternoon, and was greeted by loved ones that haven't seen her for a year.

This will be a short, but welcomed trip for Ludwig, as she takes leave from her duties at Fort Bragg, before leaving for a possible deployment.

Ludwig is in town for about two weeks of leave, and her family says having her back home, even for a short while, is extra special this time of year.

"The very best kind of Christmas present," explained Ludwig's sister Amelia Bussell, "because we're all able to celebrate.  And there's other families out there whose kids are overseas who aren't able to.  So, we're very thankful and we're very proud of our heroes and our veterans and everyone serving."

Ludwig said her first order of business when she got to her parents house was to take a nap.

She is not the only one in the family enlisted.  Her husband Dustin is currently serving in Afghanistan.