How To Send Christmas Cards To Deployed Service Members: A Complete Guide
Discover how easy it is to send Christmas cards to our military this year.
by Esme Addison
During the Gulf War, when I was a teenager, I sent letters and Christmas cards to deployed service members. My father was a Vietnam veteran, and though he was long out of the service by the time I was born, he shared something with me that stuck.
He told me about the letters his family sent him during his deployment and how much it meant to receive mail when you’re far from home. He was proud of his service, and growing up, we went to air shows every year and visited the museums at Fort Bragg. I always had a healthy respect for our military, and sending Christmas cards to troops felt like a small way to honor that.
Back then, I could mail letters directly to service members using an APO address and generic addressing like “Any Service Member.” I included my full return address, and I sealed the envelopes just like regular mail. A few weeks later, I received responses. Real letters, handwritten, from service members who took the time to thank me for thinking of them. It was one of the most meaningful exchanges I’ve ever had, and it taught me something important about connection and gratitude.
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Things have changed since then. For security reasons, the “Any Service Member” program has been discontinued, and you can no longer mail directly to troops you don’t know personally. But that doesn’t mean you can’t send Christmas cards to service members. You just have to go through organizations that coordinate with military units to distribute cards safely and appropriately.
If you’ve ever thought about sending Christmas cards to military members but weren’t sure how to start, this guide will walk you through why it matters, how to do it, and where to send your cards.
Why Sending Christmas Cards To Troops Matters
The holidays can be especially difficult for deployed service members stationed far from home. Deployment means missing family gatherings, holiday meals, and the comfort of familiar traditions. A card from a stranger might seem like a small gesture, but it carries real weight. It reminds someone that they are thought of, appreciated, and not forgotten.
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For many service members, receiving mail is a highlight of deployment. It breaks up the routine, offers a moment of connection, and serves as a tangible reminder that people back home care. Even a simple message of thanks or a holiday greeting can lift spirits and provide comfort during a challenging time.
How Things Have Changed: Can You Still Send Cards To Soldiers?
For years, people could send mail directly to deployed troops by addressing letters to “Any Service Member,” “Any Soldier,” or similar generic terms with an APO or FPO address. That program no longer exists. According to the USPS and the Department of Defense, all military mail must now be addressed to a specific person by name. Generic addressing is prohibited for security reasons.
This means if you want to send Christmas cards to soldiers for the holidays, you need to go through a verified organization that works directly with military units. These organizations screen cards, coordinate with deployed units, and ensure cards are distributed safely and appropriately.
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Where To Send Christmas Cards To Military
1. Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is one of the most trusted organizations for sending Christmas cards to military members. They send care packages and cards to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders. They accept cards year round but have specific deadlines for holiday delivery.
How to send Christmas cards to troops through Operation Gratitude:
- Write a positive, supportive message
- Sign with your first name and hometown only
- Do not include cards in individual envelopes (they screen all cards before distribution)
- Mail cards directly to Operation Gratitude, 21100 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311
- Deadline: Check their website for current holiday deadlines (typically mid-November for Christmas delivery)
2. Soldier’s Angels
Soldier’s Angels supports deployed service members, veterans, and military families through care packages, cards, and letters. They accept cards throughout the year and have specific programs for holiday greetings.
How to send cards through Soldier’s Angels:
- Write encouraging, uplifting messages
- Include your first name and city only
- Follow current guidelines on their website for card specifications
3. A Million Thanks
A Million Thanks collects letters and cards of appreciation for military members serving at home and abroad. Since 2004, they’ve delivered millions of letters to troops.
How to send cards through A Million Thanks:
- Write messages of gratitude and support
- Cards and letters should be unsealed for screening
4. Forgotten Soldiers Outreach
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach sends care packages and cards to deployed troops who may not receive mail from home. They accept cards and letters year round.
How to send cards through Forgotten Soldiers Outreach:
- Write positive, encouraging messages
- Do not seal envelopes (all mail is screened)
5. Hugs For Soldiers
Hugs for Soldiers collects cards and letters to include in care packages sent to deployed service members.
How to send cards through Hugs for Soldiers:
- Write supportive messages
- Leave cards unsealed
6 Support Our Troops
Support Our Troops accepts cards and letters for military members and their families. They have specific programs for holiday greetings.
How to send cards through Support Our Troops:
- Follow current guidelines on their website
- Cards should express gratitude and encouragement
Six Ways To Write Meaningful Messages: A Practice of Gratitude
One of the most common questions people have when sending holiday cards to troops is what to write. The act of writing to a service member can be more than just a kind gesture. It’s a practice of gratitude, a moment to reflect on sacrifice, and an opportunity to create a genuine human connection during the holidays.
Your message doesn’t need to be long, but it should be thoughtful. Take a moment before you write to consider what military service means to you personally. Has a parent, grandparent, or family member served? Do you have friends in the military? Have you benefited from the freedoms and security that service members protect? Let those reflections guide your words.
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1. Make It Personal
Generic messages are nice, but personal ones resonate. If you have a connection to military service, mention it. “My grandfather served in the Navy, and I think of him every time I write these cards.” Or “My best friend is deployed right now, so I understand a little of what you and your family are going through.”
If you don’t have a direct military connection, that’s fine too. You can still be specific about your gratitude. Instead of a general “thank you for your service,” try “thank you for spending this Christmas away from your family so that I can spend it with mine.” Specificity shows you’ve actually thought about what you’re saying.
2. Acknowledge The Sacrifice
Military service during the holidays means missing traditions, family gatherings, home-cooked meals, and the comfort of familiar surroundings. Acknowledge that sacrifice. “I know you’re far from home this Christmas, and I want you to know that your sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed.” Or “While you’re away from your loved ones, please know that families like mine are thinking of you and grateful.”
3. Share A Little About Yourself
A card from a stranger is kind. A card from a real person with a name and a hometown feels like a connection. Sign with your first name and where you’re from. You might add a sentence about yourself. “I’m a teacher in Ohio, and my students helped me write these cards.” Or “I’m a mom of three in Texas, and we’re grateful for you this holiday season.”
4. Offer Encouragement Without Being Presumptuous
You don’t know what each service member is experiencing, so avoid assumptions. Instead of “I know it’s hard,” try “I hope you find moments of peace and comfort this season.” Instead of “stay strong,” consider “wishing you strength, safety, and the knowledge that you’re appreciated.”
5. Examples Of Thoughtful Messages
“Thank you for spending this Christmas away from your family so that I can spend it with mine. My grandfather served in WWII, and I think of his sacrifice every holiday season. Wishing you peace, safety, and a reminder that you’re not forgotten. Merry Christmas from Ohio.”
“I’m writing this card as a practice of gratitude, taking a moment to really think about what your service means. You’re missing traditions and loved ones so that others can enjoy theirs. That sacrifice matters. Wishing you comfort and connection this holiday season. With appreciation, Sarah from North Carolina.”
“My son is in the Army, so I understand a little of what military families go through during the holidays. I’m thinking of you and hoping you feel the gratitude and support from home. Stay safe and know you’re appreciated. Merry Christmas from a military mom in Georgia.”
“Thank you for your service and for the freedoms I sometimes take for granted. I hope this card brings a small moment of warmth and reminds you that people back home are thinking of you. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season. With gratitude, Mike from Colorado.”
6. What To Avoid
- Don’t include political statements or opinions about military policy. Keep the focus on the individual, not the politics.
- Avoid overly emotional or dramatic language that might feel uncomfortable or insincere.
- Don’t ask personal questions about their deployment or location.
- Skip religious messages unless you’re sending through a faith-based organization that specifically requests them.
The Practice of Gratitude
Writing these cards isn’t just good for the recipients. It’s good for you too. Taking time to reflect on sacrifice, service, and gratitude can be a meaningful holiday practice. It reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about our own celebrations but about recognizing those who make our peaceful celebrations possible.
So take your time. Write thoughtfully. Sign your name. And know that your few sentences might be exactly what someone far from home needs to read.
Sending Christmas Cards To Military As A Community
Sending Christmas cards to military members as a group can be a meaningful way to involve your community and teach children about gratitude and service.
Ideas for group participation:
- Organize a card making event at your child’s school or homeschool co-op
- Host a card writing gathering with your book club, Bible study, or neighborhood group
- Set up a card station at your church or community center
- Encourage coworkers to participate during a lunch break or team meeting
When working with children, keep messages simple and age appropriate. A drawing, a thank you note, or a holiday greeting is perfect. Remind kids to avoid asking personal questions or making promises to write again.
Sending holiday cards to deployed service members is a simple act that makes a real difference. It connects you to something larger than yourself and reminds you that gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a card and a few kind words.
If you’re looking for a way to make the holidays more meaningful, consider sending Christmas cards to military members through any of the organizations listed in this article. It’s easy, it’s free (aside from postage), and it matters. You can also send letters and cards to specific people and commands if you have personal relationships with active duty military.
If you’re looking for the perfect card to send, The Heartland Christmas Card Collection from Cozyville by Due South was created with service members and veterans in mind.
Inspired by the men in my life who have served, including my father in the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War, my uncles who served in Vietnam and Germany, cousins in the Navy and Green Berets, and family members in law enforcement. These men share a deep commitment to family, faith, and flag. These cards celebrate the quiet strength and simple traditions that matter most to men like them.
Of course, you can also purchase a card anywhere or make it yourself, of you’re crafty. Whether you send one card or one hundred, purchased or homemade… your message will matter. It will remind someone far from home that they are appreciated, remembered, and valued.
And that’s a gift worth giving.
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