The holidays are especially hard for low-income families, and when you are a single parent or student trying to make it in the world as a server in a restaurant, you know every little bit counts this time of year.
Even though it gets busier, and people get crankier, servers will go above and beyond to try and make your experience as good as it can be to have some extra cash for their families over the holiday season.
Some altruistic customers have noticed this trend, and have shown their appreciation with huge payouts, just in time for Christmas. And some of these tips have been extraordinarily generous.
Massachusetts - $236
Kay-Dene Lewis is a student at a TGI Fridays in Massachusetts, and she was doing her best to make sure all the customers in her section of the restaurant were being looked after. One particular family of four felt she had done an especially good job, so left her a tip she wouldn't forget any time soon.
"It was the biggest tip I have ever had," Lewis said. "I am so grateful."
Texas - $750
When one patron overheard that Ben Millar was working extra hard to get him and his eight-month pregnant girlfriend home to Ireland for the holidays, he knew what he had to do.
His girlfriend said there was no one else who deserved it more. "I think it's a blessing and it couldn't have happened to a better guy than him. He works really hard," she said.
Arizona - $900
At nine-months pregnant, Sarah Clark had some heavy expectations on her for the holidays. Her baby was due any week, and her boyfriend was in need of knee surgery, and with the holidays upon her, it just didn't seem manageable.
She was blown away when a couple decided to do what they could for the struggling soon-to-be mother. The text reads: "This is God's money - he gave it to us so we could give it to you. God Bless."
It seems these two states are known for their generosity, because these weren't even the highest donations this year...
Texas - $1000
Chastity Rodriguez has been rasing her 8-year-old granddaughter for years, and when Christmas was drawing near, she needed was a miracle in order to make sure her family was looked after.
When a woman came into the Luby's she worked at, she treated her with courtesy and respect, as she always does. When the time came to pay, the woman pulled out an envelope and said "This is for you in your time of need. God bless you." Inside was $1000 in cash.
Through tears, Rodriguez said she has been praying a lot lately, and that this woman was truly her guardian angel.
Arizona - $2000
The breakfast was simply bacon and eggs. The bill was for $17. The tip was ginormous.
An anonymous customer left a check for $2000 to help the staff of a local diner buy their family gifts this Christmas.
"With everything that is going on in the world nowadays," one staff member said, "it's definitely a wonderful feeling."
