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The biggest heroes of Christmas are NHS staff, grocery workers, police officers, firefighters and carers, according to a poll.
And 89 per cent agree the festive period wouldn’t be the same without the efforts of these vital key workers.
A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate yuletide identified the top 10 people who make things happen – with supermarket and shop workers (70 per cent) featuring, along with refuse collectors (63 per cent), postal workers (60 per cent), and farmers (55 per cent).
Hospitality staff (60 per cent), foster carers (55 per cent), and street cleaners (44 per cent) were also dubbed essential to ensuring the big day is a success year on year.
The research, commissioned by GroceryAid, which provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families by offering free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support, also found 32 per cent of people believe supermarket and shop staff aren’t celebrated enough during the festive season.
This is closely followed by delivery drivers (29 per cent) and food producers (28 per cent), which includes farmers, butchers and bakers.
Nearly six in 10 adults (58 per cent) admitted they often forget how many people work behind the scenes in playing a crucial role in helping millions of people have an enjoyable December 25.
However, it seems people do want to show their appreciation with half (49 per cent) making a point of expressing their thanks to such workers.
Kieran Hemsworth, CEO of GroceryAid, said: “Over the busy festive period, it’s easy to forget just how many people make Christmas what it is, especially when so many are hidden behind the scenes.
“From those making mince pies to those putting them through the tills, from delivery drivers whizzing festive goods across the nation to forklift truck drivers busy in warehouses, it takes an army of people to create seasonal joy and put Christmas dinner on the table.
“This is about celebrating the heroes of the festive season and letting them know that we appreciate them and are here for them with a helping hand – however they may need it. Not just at Christmas, but year-round.”
The research by OnePoll also found of those who show their appreciation, 78 per cent like to say thank you in person and 21 per cent support related charities.
And 75 per cent shared they felt it was important to support food shop workers beyond the festive season, for example by offering the type of help provided by GroceryAid such as financial grants, mental health support, and legal advice.
Of all the top festive hero roles, 56 per cent come into most contact with supermarket staff. And when it comes to opinions on the sector, 68 per cent agreed that working in grocery is something people should be proud of.
Hemsworth added: “It’s heartening to see just how much people value and want to support our most vital workers over the festive period – and for those that feed the nation and keep shelves stocked, that support is something GroceryAid can help with.
“We provide £4.6 million in financial grants to help those working in grocery who are going through an unexpected blip or have ongoing struggles with the cost of living; we can help with everything from money worries to relationship challenges.
“Grocery workers are tough, but sometimes times are tougher. This is the helping hand they have earned.
For more information on the free and confidential support available, visit groceryaid.org.uk
THE TOP 10 ‘VITAL WORKERS’ DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON: