Love Actually was right. At Christmas, you tell the truth. There’s something about the holidays and the dimming of another year that draws out reflections and secrets and all the feelings. Oftentimes, the best way to share those feelings is to put them on paper (or a computer screen).

In Reddit’s creative writing community Writing Prompts, user Levitus01 asked people to write the letters they’ve always wanted to write, but for whatever reason, never did. Brave participants addressed estranged family members, former lovers, those who shattered their lives, and others who saved them. Maybe this season, they’ll even click send.

Read all the letters in the original thread. Or, if you have something you’ve always wanted to say to someone, add your own.

“I’ve grown into a wonderful young lady, mostly because of you.”

“I’m sorry that all you see in me is what you hate in my mom.”

“I’m not some ‘lazy piece of shit.'”

“I hold out hope that our story isn’t over.”

“You hold a place in my heart that no one else can.”

“Thanks to you, I have spent the last 5 years of my life wasting away because I didn’t think there was anything left for me.”

“I can’t let you haunt me like this anymore.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be braver for you.”