Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and other remote posts report that Mail Call is often the highlight of their day and a break in the routine. Here are some tips and thoughts that will brighten a Soldier’s day and let them know that the folks back home are thinking of them. Holiday packages are popular and much anticipated and here are some tips for shipping packages to a deployed Soldier this holiday season.

The US Postal Service offers a Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box for $10.95. It’s 12 inches square and 5 ½ inches deep and it’s only $10.95 when used to send to any APO/FPO address regardless of weight. The box features the “America Supports You” logo and is free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship at www.usps.com/clicknship.

Holiday mail for our U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan should be sent by Dec. 4 for arrival by Christmas. Holiday mail going to other military overseas APO/FPO locations should be sent by Dec. 11. Except for Iraq and Afghanistan, Express Mail can also be used to mail packages to other overseas military locations until Dec. 18 for delivery by Christmas.

What to send? Phone cards are always popular, drink mixes, MP3 players, stamps, envelopes, freeze dried heat proof snacks like jerky, nuts or trail mix hold up well. Homemade cookies are appreciated but sometimes don’t arrive intact. Paperback books, cards and hometown newspapers are also welcome ways to pass the time. Check for restrictions on items that you are sending to a particular destination. In the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom, liquor, pornographic items, and pork products are prohibited.

Here are some tips to insure that your package arrives in one piece. Remember that desert temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, so be careful about anything that might melt. Provide cushioning for fragile items. Seal with two inch wide tape – don’t use cord, string or twine. Make sure the package is addressed to someone specific with a name, unit, and APO/FPO address with the nine digit zip code if assigned. For packages, print the recipient’s name clearly only on one side in the lower right hand portion. Include a card or paper inside with an inventory of contents in the event the package is damaged. Customs forms are required for all parcels. Make sure that you check the “Gift” option versus merchandise to avoid potential duty or import taxes.

The U.S. Postal Service also offers a FREE Military Care Kit to make it easier for postal customers to send care packages to our troops stationed in the U.S. and around the world. Each kit contains Priority Mail boxes and Flat-Rate boxes, Priority Mail labels, a roll of Priority Mail tape, and customs forms with envelopes. This kit may be ordered free by calling 800-610-8734.

OPERATION GRATITUDE seeks to lift troops’ morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages addressed to individual service members deployed overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDE care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation.

All military families are invited to write a letter to the troops and to participate in a contest that offers prizes for both individuals and schools. Visit the OPERATION GRATITUDE website for more details. Writing a letter to the troops would be an excellent class project.

There is no question that being separated during the holiday periods is one of the most difficult times of a deployment. Military Families in decades past would love to have had the technology which has enhanced the ability to communicate via phone, email and video. Despite the technology, having a Soldier deployed during the holidays challenges even the most resilient Military Family.

Accept that the holiday will be different when your Soldier is deployed and make plans to create a unique celebration be it spending it with friends, volunteering or engaging in some special activities.

Military OneSource has some additional information and strategies to help military Families during the Holidays. Visit Military OneSource on the Web.

The VFW has a program called Unmet Needs which provides funds or assistance to Military Families for everything from mortgage assistance to vehicle repair, groceries and medical expenses. To learn more about this program visit the website for Unmet Needs.

The American Legion has a program called the Family Support Network. Families of deployed Soldiers often find themselves unable to meet normal monthly expenses, and assistance is needed for a variety of everyday chores. These tasks include grocery shopping, child care, mowing the grass, fixing the family car and other routine household jobs.

The American Legion has a 24-hour nationwide toll-free telephone number, 1-800-504-4098, for Soldiers and their family members to call for assistance. Calls are referred to The American Legion department, or state, in which the call originated. The local post then contacts the Soldier or the family to see how assistance can be provided locally. Visit the Family Support Network web site for more information.

School schedules and holiday errands make the holiday season a hectic time of year. When one parent is deployed, things can be particularly challenging. There are a number of child care programs and subsidies available for Military Families. CYS, Child & Youth Services has summarized the programs available on the Army Reserve Family Programs web portal. This could be a good time to explore alternatives. Make sure that you are getting all the benefits available for your family or learn if it is a good time to make a change.

Overspending during the Holidays is a common problem for individuals who are lonely or stressed. When the bills arrive in January, the outcome can be months of financial stress. Make a budget for the holidays and stick to it. Pay as much as possible in cash so you are aware of where you are with your budget and you won’t be tempted to run up big credit card bills.

Visit Military OneSource for some additional information on Holiday budgeting. Another website called Surviving Deployment also has a number of tools and templates for calculating family budgets.

If you are not feeling well or are concerned about your Soldier, help is just a call away. A number of programs are available to Military Families and help is easily accessed by phone. Military OneSource offers a toll free line 24/7 for information and resources. Call 1-800-342-9647 for more information. In person counseling can also be accessed for emotional well-being on a variety of issues including improving relationships at home and work, marital issues, grief & loss, adjusting to a change in situation and other issues. Visit Military OneSource for more information.

In addition, Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) are available to help Soldiers and their Families solve issues resulting from deployment, reunions, reintegration, stress, depression, anger management and other issues. Soldiers and Families are entitled to six prepaid, face to face counseling sessions. Call 1-888-755-9355 for more information or visit the Army Reserve Family Programs web portal.