Working parents who'll be away at Christmas can download this letter from Santa

For most people Christmas is a time for family and loved ones.

But unfortunately there are those who aren’t able to be with their families because they have to be away for work.

Medical professionals, flight crews and airport workers, those in the military and of course emergency services workers are among those who have to be away from their loved ones at Christmas time. And when there are children involved, it can be especially difficult.

So a teacher from the US decided to lend a helping hand to those occupied parents who can’t be with their children this Christmas.

Stephanie Lynn, from Virginia, designed a festive letter from Santa for parents to give to their children explaining that the bearded icon and his elves will be making ‘a few special deliveries’ just for them, as their mum or dad ‘can’t be home on Christmas Day because they’re working- keeping us safe and healthy’.

With a Christmassy designed letterhead reading: ‘From the desk of Santa Claus’, the letter starts: ‘The North Pole, December 2018’.

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Then continues: ‘A jolly greeting to you from the North Pole! Christmas is fast approaching, and we’re all hard at work preparing for the big night!

‘You surely know that every December 25th I visit children around the world, spreading holiday cheer. But did you know I make other, special trips for children just like you?

‘I’ve only sent this message to a special group of kids around the world- the kids of military members and first responders. I know sometimes your mum or dad can’t be home on Christmas Day because they’re working- keeping us safe and healthy.

‘Christmas is about family, and even though your mum or dad will be working hard on the 25th, I want your whole family to have a very special Christmas morning- together.

‘Always remember, Christmas isn’t about a box on the calendar, but the feeling we keep in our hearts. Thank you for being such great children, and sharing your mums and dads with us all when we need them the most.’

The letter then has a number of boxes showing a range of dates and parents can tick whichever date they want to celebrate their Christmas morning.

‘With that in mind,’ it’s captioned, ‘my elves have helped me set up a few special deliveries just for you. You’ve been scheduled for delivery on: December 23, December 24, December 26, December 27, Other.’

Stephanie has created a number of different designs, each catering to different professions so parents can choose whichever one suits them.

‘Merry Christmas,’ wrote the thoughtful teacher, ‘whatever day that may be for your family!’