This article was meant to be a video. One where I dress up as Santa Claus and give away presents to people who have to work on Christmas morning. A viral clip designed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and go “ooohhh…that’s so nice!” while you watch it. Instead, I’m sitting here, typing away in the hope that you give me two minutes of your time to read this thank-you note directed to all of you who help to keep this city—and this country—running every day.

The reason I decided to cancel the video idea was because the more I thought about it—and despite the intentions of wanting to brighten someone’s day being genuine—the feeling of it being just corny and exploitative was simply too strong. Driving or cycling around the streets of Metro Manila on Christmas day morning and giving away small gifts would have looked great on camera, I am sure, but it would have reduced the people who receive them to accessories—to gimmicks in a quest to receive clicks, likes, and shares—and that’s not fair. Every single individual who works hard to earn a living deserves our respect, and especially so if you are one of the thousands of people who will be working when everyone else is celebrating.

From security guards to taxi/jeepney drivers, emergency services, hospitality and retail staff, and of course the army of delivery riders…you all deserve a collective thank-you from society and a greater appreciation for what you do—and not just at this time of the year. Christmas is often the time when individuals and companies feel extra generous. When we all suddenly remember that in our dog-eat-dog world, looking after each other is the right thing to do. But once the festive season is over and Jose Mari Chan has returned to his cave, these thoughts are often relegated to playing second fiddle again, until the shriek of Mariah Carey brings it all back on the first of September.

My mom was an amazing person full of love and care, but she also had a German directness that could catch you off guard. Something she said about Mother’s Day one year stuck with me until today, and I think it can be applied here as well. She wasn’t a fan of these types of days that celebrate a special something or someone, and simply said: “If you don’t care about me all year, don’t pretend you do on this one day.” I’m sure she didn’t mean it in a harsh way (we had a good relationship), but rather her point was: Care about the people around you every day and not just on special occasions or when retail advertising reminds you to.

Doing so can, of course, be hard in a world where life isn’t exactly getting any easier or cheaper. But there are always small things we can do. Things that don’t cost a penny. A smile, a thank-you, a kind gesture that shows someone how much you appreciate what he/she does. Especially as what the Gig Economy delivery riders do is anything but easy. Hours are long, pay is low, and risk of injury or ill health high. Until this gets sorted out and working conditions elevated, some kindness toward this two-wheeled army doesn’t go amiss. They feed us and deliver all the stuff we buy online. The least they deserve is a heartfelt gratitude and a tip (if you can afford to).

I think my point simply is: If you feel extra caring around Christmas, try and spread out that thinking, that feeling, that attitude toward your fellow men over the whole year and not just in December. Pay attention to the world around you and look for ways—no matter how small—to make it a better place. It can be hard to do that, and even harder to remember to do that, but the payoff is worth it. The only thing that doubles when you share it is happiness, as they say.

So, this is to you, the unsung heroes that keep this mega city (and this country) going. Not just on Christmas morning, when you work while everyone else celebrates time off with family and loved ones. No, every day that you go out and make society function. You are not invisible. I hope everyone will agree when I say we see you, we respect you, and we appreciate you. We just don’t always have the time to tell you that. Maraming salamat po at maligayang pasko!

Maybe I will still go out to do something fun. To see if I can brighten someone’s day without a camera being present, or just to get the rarest of video footage: Metro Manila’s streets being silent and devoid of cars. Until then, enjoy Christmas. And in a world where you can be anything, be kind.