| Holidays away from loved ones are never easy, | | | | a refreshing treat. |
| especially if a loved one is stationed overseas with | | | | Eye drops, lip balm, travel soaps - Especially if a |
| his or her military unit. Deployment only adds | | | | soldier is stationed in a desert region, days and |
| another element of uncertainty we don't want to | | | | nights can be uncomfortable. Dry heat and sand |
| consider. Recent years have seen thousands of | | | | irritate the eyes and chap the skin, so such items |
| our soldiers deployed to other parts of the world, | | | | would be greatly appreciated. |
| missing Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas | | | | Books - Occasionally, there is downtime, yet little |
| presents. Yet, while they work in a job that | | | | to do. Mass market paperbacks - romance and |
| offers little opportunity for holiday vacations, we | | | | mysteries, thrillers and fiction - are especially |
| are able to remain safe stateside and enjoy the | | | | prized. If you are interested in just sending books |
| gifts our loved ones in the military give us daily - | | | | overseas, you can arrange to ship through most |
| security and peace of mind. | | | | booksellers. |
| Nothing warms a soldier's heart more, of course, | | | | Phone cards - Small, inexpensive, and very |
| than to receive a gift from home. Whether it's a | | | | practical. One card gives the gift of conversation |
| letter or a small gift, just the simple act of jotting | | | | with family for a soldier. Especially on holidays, this |
| a note that says "I love you" brings a piece of | | | | is a very thoughtful gift that can bring a soldier |
| family to an otherwise lonely place. Unfortunately, | | | | closer to home. |
| not everybody overseas is as fortunate to get | | | | Playing cards - You might not think this to be a |
| such things from home. So why not strive to | | | | luxury, but when there's nothing to do in the |
| show appreciation for everyone who fights for | | | | barracks a pack of cards can help boost morale |
| us, that we may live in freedom? Why not give | | | | among soldiers. The opportunity to play a favorite |
| back to those who give selflessly for us and our | | | | card game can enhance downtime among your |
| country? | | | | soldier's mates and strengthen their bonds of |
| This year, add a soldier or sailor to your holiday | | | | friendship. |
| gift list. You would be surprised to know how | | | | Postcards - Whether you know the soldier |
| even a small care package will be appreciated by | | | | personally or are sending a package at random, |
| someone stationed in Iraq or elsewhere in the | | | | consider sending a few mementos from home. |
| Middle East. In a place where one cannot simple | | | | Color cards with scenery will help remind our |
| pop over to the corner store for supplies, to | | | | friends overseas exactly what they are |
| receive a package mixed with practical items may | | | | protecting, and what they can hope to see when |
| be considered a luxury to some now. Just a few | | | | it's time to come home. |
| items one might want to consider giving include: | | | | Once you have decided what to send, you will |
| Hard candies and gum - Satisfy a soldier's sweet | | | | need to know where and how to send your care |
| tooth with a bag of peppermints or sour fruit | | | | package. Sending a military care package isn't |
| jawbreakers. Chewing gum is not always in easy | | | | exactly the same as mailing within the country, as |
| supply overseas, too, and such items won't take | | | | there are restrictions with regards to size and |
| up much room in a package. Avoid sending | | | | content when shipping to any APO/FPO address. |
| chocolates or anything else that may melt en | | | | A simple search on the Internet for "care |
| route. | | | | packages for soldiers" will yield a wealth of |
| Drink mixes - Most fruit-punch and lemonade | | | | information so that your package will arrive safely |
| mixes are available in single serving envelopes. | | | | to a grateful soldier this holiday season. |
| Send a box for a soldier's water bottle, to make | | | | |