Think about people like:

• Postman / Letter Carrier
• Paper Delivery Person
• Elected Representatives
• Local Emergency Services Personnel
• Garbage Collectors
• Teachers

And not least of all:

• Your Pastor(s)

Even the simplest things can say a whole lot.  A gift card of a small dollar amount (say, $5) and a Christmas card, a plate of homemade (or store bought) cookies, a basket of fruit, a box of chocolates….  just about anything is better than nothing!

I know that not everyone needs reminding about these things, but speaking from experience it can really be a HUGE encouragement to those receiving those small gifts and cards, so it’s worth mentioning here.

One year my husband worked a side job, to make a bit of extra money, as a paper delivery guy for one of the major papers in our area.  He never saw the people that he delivered papers to, since he was delivering at about 3am.  But that year, in the month of December and into the new year, we received more small gifts, gift cards, movie tickets, gas cards, cans of coffee and hot chocolate, tins of cookies, boxes of chocolates, etc., from those people than we’d ever received in all our previous years of ministry experience COMBINED!  We were blown away!  Did he feel appreciated for being out at 3am in all sorts of weather delivering their papers for not very much money?  You bet he did!  

Nobody does those jobs listed above in hopes of getting recognition or reward or special treats.  But all of them deserve a little something to show them that we appreciate what they do, especially at this time of year.

It doesn’t have to be a big thing. But please consider doing a little something to express your appreciation for those who serve you day in and day out. They are worth it!