Many of us look forward to finally having the chance to relax and spend time with our family and friends during the holiday. Schools close, many businesses either close or shorten their hours, and workers put in for vacation and enjoy a much-needed day off. The only way this could possibly get any better is if this applied to everyone. But sadly, it doesn't. Some people will be clocking in before Santa leaves the North Pole and won't be seeing their families until the festivities are over. To everyone who's been putting in hours since the beginning of the season and to those who will be at work on the big day, this thank you letter is to you.

Thank you to the retail workers who have been wanting a day off since Black Friday. You've dealt with lines of angry customers yelling like little kids because they couldn't find what they wanted or didn't care for the price, and you did it all while keeping your cool (for the most part). Thank you for putting in extra hours these past couple weeks so that others can shop for their loved ones.

Thank you to the waiters and waitresses who will be going into work Christmas morning, ready to serve the families who don't feel like cooking breakfast. You're giving up your Christmas morning so that others can enjoy theirs. I hope that your tables all realize this and are just as thankful as I am.

Thank you to all the 911 responders who will be spending their holiday sitting in the stations, waiting for the call that one of us did something stupid. Whether it be the all-too-normal drunk driving accident or a Christmas tree up in flames, thank you for putting your holiday aside to make sure we stay safe during ours. Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs put their lives on the line every single day, and Christmas Day is no exception.

Thank you to all the hospital staff who will be working long hours away from their loved ones while saving ours. Having a family member or friend in the hospital is never easy during this season, so thank you for making sure they are in good hands when we can't always spend that time with them.

And last but not least, thank you to all our service men and women who are spending Christmas away from their heroes at home. You all give the ultimate sacrifice so that we can all have the freedom and safety to enjoy the holiday. Your service will never go unnoticed and as we remember the true meaning of Christmas, we pray for your safe return home.

To everyone who will be clocking into work this holiday or any holiday, thank you for your time and sacrifice. It's never exciting knowing you'll be leaving your family behind on such a merry day, but it's comforting to know that someone appreciates what you do.

So once again, thank you! I hope you have the chance to see your loved ones soon and enjoy quality time together.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!