posted on December 13, 2000 02:07:58 PM
Like many people, my job requires that I work on Christmas day. I suppose, if given the choice, I would opt to be off but, truth be told, I don't mind.
My family has become accustomed to my schedule and creatively "time shifts" to include me in holiday activities.
I especially like to work the midnight tour on Christmas. There's something magical about cruising the empty streets. The downtown store windows filled with holiday decorations, the big city Christmas tree, the tastefully decorated townhouses, all bright and aglow seemingly for my enjoyment alone. When it's really cold, the filtered light passing through the rising fog from the steam grates is a surreal delight.
This year I'm working the day shift which holds its own unique charms. I like to watch the people. Most everyone seems full of good cheer, caught up in the their own special rituals of the day. People tend to look at me as I pass on Christmas. I do a lot of waving.
If something bad happens, of course, it's definitely made worse by its occurring on Christmas. Fortunately, it's usually a relatively peaceful day.
I'm sure there are others whose occupations don't allow for holidays and I'm curious as to how they've adapted. Care to share?
posted on December 13, 2000 02:24:27 PM
I will make extra note to wave at passing police officers, xardon, now that you gave such a nice picture of what your shift is like. Have a safe and merry Christmas, k?
posted on December 13, 2000 02:29:41 PM
In years past, I was the one working Christmas. Usually I ended up working days so everyone would wait for me to get home. Rather than drive the kittens mad with waiting, we allowed them to open one gift each on Christmas eve. As for the dinner, we would either go out or, if family happened to be with us, someone else would have done the cooking. When I got home, I didn't even get the chance to change-the kittens wanted to open presents RIGHT THEN.
Once, the tom barely made it back from an assignment in time...he flew in late Christmas eve. The airport was such fun(NOT).
This year, the elder kitten will be working mids. We'll do the gift thing in the morning and later take a plate of food to him.
posted on December 13, 2000 02:42:05 PM
xardon...I used to work for a Fire Dept and every year we would take a plate of cookies over to the closest station for the guys that had to work the holiday. They work 24 hours shifts out here, so if they work then they are away from home all day long.
I'm glad you posted because it was a good reminder for me to take care of this again.
, now that you gave such a nice picture of what your shift is like. Have a safe and merry Christmas, k?