BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- It’s Christmastime, that season when everybody feels a little bit more joy, a little bit more anticipation, and a little more generosity. Nobody knows that more than your average restaurant server. Especially servers who have cultivated their own clientele. Servers at mom-and-pop diners and coffee shops who have been adopted by their customers. Servers like Soleil McCaleb, a nursing student who has been waiting tables at 24th Street Café for five years. Over the years, some of her customers have become more like friends. “I build relationships with them,” she said. “I care about them and they care about me. We talk about school, my family, and all the things. I think around Christmas time they want to give back and I hope I give them someone to talk to, or somebody that cares.” They give back, as in … yes, tips. Most servers will tell you that their income stream picks up in December. Nationally, there might be something of a tipping backlash -- do I really need to tip for takeout? Woolworth’s ambitious renovation is loud, proud and on schedule “A lot of my regulars like to go above and beyond for me, so that’s nice,” McCaleb said. Donna Caudle, who has been at 24th Street Café for 28 years, says good intentions are every bit as valuable as cash. “I love it here,” she said. “The people are awesome, we have awesome customers. They come in, they’re always paying it forward. Taking care of people. So, you have people that have more, have less ... it goes both ways.” Sometimes non-regulars can be just as generous. One party of nine sat in Naomi Denton’s section Thursday morning and had a nice surprise for her when they finished breakfast. Sebastian Aza paid the check. “Everyone here just gave you a $100 tip,” he told her when the bill arrived. “So, you’re going to walk away with $900 today.” “Are you serious?,” she responded. “I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,” Aza answered. David’s Barbershop celebrates 10-year anniversary with toy collection drive That’s right. Party of nine for breakfast, tip $900. Denton sees extremely generous tips on occasion. “Sometimes a lot, but never like this,” she admitted.  Denton, who has been at 24th Street Café for 19 years, recently became engaged -- the nuptials are set for October -- and that $900 will go into the marriage fund. “We try to do this at least once a year,” Aza said of the server giveaway. “Why not try to do it during the holidays? If you can help out, why not?” So, if you have a favorite server -- or waitress/waiter if you’re of that generation -- it might be nice to think of them this Christmas season.