It’s Christmas time once again, and we are now counting down the days. Most of us are probably scrambling to get started on the Christmas shopping, and the stores are beginning to become more crowded than ever.

As we go about the Christmas holiday rush, our deployed troops, Navy SEALs included, continue as usual in their duties to serve and protect us. While we will be seeing houses decked out in holiday splendor and watching fireworks, they will be witnessing or living firepower of a different sort. Since they are doing all this for us, it will be worthwhile if we spread some holiday cheer to our US military service personnel by sending them care packages.

The US Department of Defense actually does not encourage civilians to send unsolicited mail or care packages to random deployed personnel, unless you have a personal relationship with a deployed soldier. So if you want to send something to someone, it will probably be better if you contact his or her family and send something through a care package that they may be putting together.

What if you do want to send a care package or do not know anyone who has personal connections with any soldier? Luckily, there are organizations that specialize in sending military care packages to the different locations around the world. You can send one for a fee, but you have to select the organization well as some may not be legitimate. A couple of good sites would be AnySoldier.com and USO Cares.

What are care package must-haves, as rated by our troops? Interestingly enough, the favorite items in care packages are Baby Wipes and Chapstick. They also love candy – Atomic Fireballs or Jolly Rancher hard candy for personal consumption, and Smarties or Sweet Tart candies to share with local children. They also love Beef Jerky, Peanuts, Chewing Gum and Gatorade, as well as razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

These may seem like simple, everyday things, but they go a long way in the field. Wouldn’t it be nice to spare a little and share these things with the people who give us so much?