Dear Hard-Worker on Christmas,

You have no idea how much I respect you. I wanted to write you a thank you letter, because not being able to spend the holidays at home with your family is very hard. Now, I only experienced this through being a senior caregiver, but I think the overall feeling radiates throughout all of the people who aren't home for Christmas.

It takes a special type of person to work over the holidays, and be okay with it. Now, for some people they don't have a choice and they have to work. For those who offer to work, and volunteer their time to help others in need is such an amazing personality trait. Thank you for keeping us civilians safe, healthy and cared for. Thank you to those who risk their lives daily for us, and get slim-to-none recognition for their work. Thank you mailmen and women, for delivering our mail and gifts in the utter cold that we deal with in Minnesota. Thank you healthcare professionals, for keeping all of us healthy no matter what day or time it is. Thank you police officers, EMTs, firemen and women for risking your life for us. Thank you to those overseas fighting for your families, and our country. Thank you to their wives and husbands for giving strength to those who need it most. Thank you Wal-Mart workers (are they open?!), and everyone else that has to work over the holidays so we don't have to. I appreciate each and every one of you and wish you the happiest of holidays.

From, Someone Who Isn't Working On Holidays

I love how my family supported me when I worked holidays. They always said, "We can celebrate this any other day. Go help the ones in need." That's exactly right. If you're a part of a family that has someone working over the holidays, you know that appreciating the time you do have with them is the most cherished gift of all. I strongly believe now that I've gotten older, that the holidays are about family and love. They are about coming together to remember the 'good' in life. To remember that you are loved and cared for. Yes it's super stressful when you burn dinner, knock the tree down, and forget half of your presents and your kid, but it's fine. You get one free 'whine' about the holidays and then you have to be grown up, and cherish the time you have. Life isn't forever.

Don't forget to thank your parents grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, anyone that works the holiday season, or year round so you don't have to. Appreciate them as much as you appreciate your freedom.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!