Thank you, Mrs. Claus.

During Christmastime, you are often overlooked.

See how happy my girls are in this picture?

They are smiling after giddily telling your husband what they wanted for Christmas.

Your husband works long hours throughout the year, making toys, managing elves, and caring for the reindeer.

You remain loving and supportive.

You know how important his job is.

Then, on Christmas eve, he flies off into the night to deliver toys to all the girls and boys.

This is dangerous work.

What if something happened to his sleigh mid-flight?

What if he got hurt entering a home? Those chimneys are narrow, you know.

You not only love and support your husband, but you also encourage him!

You know how much he loves his job.

You help run the household and manage all the “home” duties to make sure everything runs for his big night.

I am not sure if there was ever a more supportive wife.

People all over the world love you, though they may forget to tell you.

They love your warmth and sweet nature.

They appreciate that you love others just as much as Santa to put aside your own wants and needs to make the world a kinder, better place.

They certainly love your cookies.

Thank you, Mrs. Claus. Christmas would not work without you.

This piece is dedicated to all the partners of military service members, police, firefighters, doctors, and nurses. Thank you to every first responder for holding down the fort throughout the year, and sometimes even on Christmas.

Come join me at: https://www.facebook.com/shepensblog

Picture taken at Walt Disney World in 2019.