With her invitation to a pre-Christmas conversation, Federal Chancellor Merkel honours the efforts of the men and women in the Bundeswehr and the police force who are serving on international missions.  These missions also affect the rest of the family: “In families that are always so close, one person is absent," said Merkel. These families are a “pillar of support for those who are not there.” The Chancellor passes on her thanks and affinity with the family members of those in service who have to spend the Christmas period, in particular, away from their families.