Especially during this time of the year, I can't help but to think about how lucky I am to live in a country that allows me to celebrate with my family and friends regardless of which holiday's I decide to celebrate. And I can thank our troops for that freedom.

During the holidays, most people try to donate, go shopping for less fortunate kids, or help out those who need it most during this giving time. However, sometimes we overlook people that need it the most. Those are the people that are overseas fighting for you and me.

The amount of emotions families must go through by just thinking about their loved one fighting overseas must be overwhelming. Not to mention, the emotions the soldiers must be experiencing such as separation, anxiety, terror, and only they know what else.

I don't really come from a military family. I have had a few relatives that have fought in Vietnam or World War II and that have been a part of the military in one way or another. I've never actually been a part of it though. I have still always, always, always had respect for our military and their families.

I know it's necessary to have soldiers to protect us here in America and to keep the world as peaceful as possible, but it just seems so unfair. Most people go to work and come home a few hours later to have dinner with their family. These people go to work and don't know if they will ever actually come back. The anxiety and heartbreak that is encountered with every goodbye would be so painful.

Holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate their beliefs as one whole unit. With even one piece missing, the holiday isn't complete. Not that experiencing a deployment would be any easier any other time of the year but people get lonely during the holidays and want to spend it with the people they love.

These are the people that need our help during the holiday season. They are the ones protecting us and allowing us to enjoy our freedoms. They need our support and encouragement. Their families need our comfort and hospitality. These are some of the most deserving people in the world.

So during the holiday season, my heart goes out to the people who are missing a piece of their family this year. And my prayers go out to those that cannot be here with their families because of their selfless acts of bravery. It is because of them that I have the opportunity to spend my holiday with the people I love and care about the most. And I will never be able to thank them enough for that opportunity.