Delivery workers are finding thank-you notes and gifts on shoppers’ doorsteps

It’s the most hectic season of the year for delivery drivers. If you think you’re busy with getting all the shopping done, think of the men and women putting in hundreds of hours (and miles) delivering those gifts!

The United States Postal Service estimated it will deliver about 15 billion pieces of mail and 900 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, FedEx and UPS deliver more than a billion packages combined over the holiday season.

It can be easy for these hardworking “Santa’s Helpers” to feel a little lost in the holiday shuffle. But grateful customers are showing their appreciation in the nicest ways: by preparing snacks, thank-you cards and other gifts and leaving them for the busy delivery workers.

The unexpected gifts of holiday cheer are surprising and delighting the workers who find them. “I was surprised that someone actually cares about the people who deliver their packages,” Amazon delivery driver Amy Soria told Business Insider.

But many online shoppers recognize that delivery drivers have a tougher job around the holidays. So, it seems fitting to share a little holiday cheer with those who bring gifts to their doorsteps.

“Anyone else absolutely wearing their delivery drivers out this week?” posted Twitter user BeverlySextonParrish. “I know I am, so I’m trying to say thanks in a small way with some goodies in a basket on the porch. Snacks make everything better!”

And those snacks keep the drivers going when they are tight on time.

“We are working at a steady pace and often don’t take time to stop for a break,” said Laura Benamor, who joins her husband on his Amazon Flex delivery routes. “So when we came upon those peanut-butter crackers and candy, it was a nice surprise.”

Customers and delivery drivers are sharing pictures of the gift baskets and boxes all over social media. Instagram user ashsamazingbags posted her thank-you gift for the drivers who make it possible for her to shop from home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BriYsJCFgAd/

Lirabyrd on Instagram included chips, protein bars and fruit snacks in her delivery drivers’ thank-you box.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbEuU7Fw5i/

What a sweet way to spread a little love this holiday season!