A group representing Ireland's 170,000 family carers has urged people to be aware of the needs of carers in their families and to give at least an hour of their time to allow them to take a break this Christmas.
The Carers' Association unveiled its Share the Care Christmascampaign and called on the Government to officially recognise the contribution made by carers in society.
Broadcaster Mary Kennedy, who is patron of the association, urged people to be aware of family carers and to show their support in "a real and practical way".
"Caring touches every family in Ireland. People who are willing to help can show their care by visiting a Carer they know and giving them the priceless gift of free time by offering to help out while they catch up on some Christmas shopping, cooking or even sleep," she said.
The campaign is being promoted across the organisation's 17 offices nationwide.
"While Christmas is regarded as a time for joy and celebration by society and is universally portrayed as a time of happiness and fun, the reality is that it causes increased struggles and difficulties for many family carers," the Carers' Association said.
"With most health and welfare services closed for the festive season and supports cut to a minimum, Christmas can be particularly difficult for carers and is when they often feel most alone and isolated.
"There are 170,000 family Carers in Ireland providing care in the home to children with disabilities, frail older people and those who are terminally ill. The government has yet to officially recognise and reward the majority of family carers and only one in 7 family carers receive the Carers' Allowance of €139.26 per week (maximum)."
The association said the pressures for carers are dramatically increased in the winter time when heating bills are huge. Carers generally look after people who are immobile and who find it difficult to keep warm.
Mr Enda Egan, chief executive officer of the Carers' Association says that carers often find the pressures of Christmas unbearable. "Christmas is a time when family members come together and celebrate but it creates a huge emotional and financial strain on family carers.
"It is important that other family members recognise the work of the family carer and get involved and share the responsibility of caring to provide some respite and relief to the carer," he said.