Many military families are separated during the holidays. As civilians, we enjoy the peace and security that our brave soldiers work hard to provide for us. Christmas is a perfect time to show our appreciation. Having a son in the military, I know firsthand how difficult it is for all members of the family, especially during the holidays.

Modern technology has made being apart a little easier, with connection through web cams and e-mail, but the holidays deserve something extra special. Luckily, we can share the magic of Christmas in a variety of ways. Of course, all soldiers love letters and pictures. It would be wonderful if every single soldier were able to receive something at Christmastime to let him or her know how much he or she is appreciated.

It is good to be aware that because of security reasons, homemade treats are not allowed in gift packages. Food may include packaged store-bought nuts, cookies, chocolate or candy. Remember that all items must be in sealed packages or boxes. Also for security issues, anyone can send mail directly to a specific member in the US military, but cards addressed to “any soldier” cannot be delivered.

Small gifts could include calling cards, cider mix, hot chocolate mix, and favorite seasonings. Soldiers wear their boots for many hours while they work, so their stockings wear out quickly. A great gift would be to write an encouraging note, attach it to some new socks and send it with some packaged goodies. Another light weight and inexpensive gift would be to personalize a white pillowcase with special thoughts and drawings with fabric paint.

Certain unfortunate soldiers may spend Christmas in a hospital room trying to recuperate from injuries sustained while in defense of our freedom. Christmas is a special time of year during which absence from family and friends is felt more intensely. There may even be soldiers who have no family, and who are forgotten during the holidays.

There are many organizations that are set up to help out just for this purpose. These organizations work together with military personnel who are more aware of the soldier’s individual and collective needs. You could also send a gift to a particular soldier, and add one more for their fellow soldier. This simple gift together with a letter of appreciation can raise their morale and warm their heart.

Having a yard sale and donating all proceeds to support our troops can be done by anyone. Of course donating cash in any form to organizations that provide for our military are appreciated.

Specially decorated memorial trees for the families of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country would be an excellent gift.

If you get a flat rate priority box, you can fill it as full as possible as long as you do not distort it. Weight does not matter. Add a holiday decoration, a Christmas card and some Christmas goodies. Make sure to personalize it, write a letter and put your address or email address inside. This could be the start of a great relationship of love and trust.

Many soldiers live in less than perfect conditions. Even though we may have it hard in this economy, our soldiers have it worse. We can help them face the hardships by giving from our heart.

Remembering all the troops in our prayers is always appreciated. Sending motivational thoughts and scriptures can go a long way in giving hope and encouragement.

Another special way to help the military soldiers is to take care of their families while they are away. Helping them with babysitting while the mother shops, providing a decorated real tree or donating to their Christmas meal are all great ideas. If they know their families are being helped, they can concentrate on their task at hand.

It is important that we let our troops know that they are not forgotten, especially during the holidays. If we have a son or daughter in the military, we can address a care box to them and in a separate letter, let them know that they can give this box to someone who does not receive any mail.

It doesn’t have to take much money or effort, but a heartfelt gift through prayer or other means can go a long way in buoying our military soldiers up during the Christmas season. Search online for organizations that support the troops during the holiday.