By Michael Morse
Christmas is the day where all work stops, families reconnect and life is lived the way it is best lived; by not working! Unless, of course, you‘re working...
But don‘t despair, I have thought long and hard and have developed seven reasons why it‘s okay to work on Christmas Day.
1. Everybody else feels bad for us.
What can I say, I‘m human. A little sympathy goes a long way. A few Christmas cookies never hurt either!
2. There‘s nothing as sweet as the camaraderie with everybody else who is working.
There is a band of brothers mentality that lives within the hospital staff, hospitality workers, retailers and public safety personnel who work when everybody else relaxes. You can feel it in the air, especially on Christmas Day, as the few, the brave and the dumb enough to work enjoy each other‘s comfort and misery.
3. There is less chance of disappointment.
“Goodbye. We’ll be here maintaining relentless positivity while you’re gone.” (Martin LaBar, via flickr)
All the preparation, the frantic pace, the relentless positivity and uplifting music of the holidays is enough to drive the sanest person mad. There is comfort in letting it all go, putting on the uniform and walking out the door with a frown that quickly turns upside down when you realize that it‘s just you and whatever comes your way. No kids to disappoint, no spouses to worry about and no family to entertain with tales from whichever crypt you find your career lurking in. Having no expectations is liberating!
4. Chances for better gifts improve due to sympathetic gift givers.
First things first. It is imperative that everybody working on Christmas Day announce their misfortune on the day after Thanksgiving. The more people who are aware, the better the chances of lavish gifts given in your memory.
5. You probably won‘t have to work that hard.
One fact holds true for the Christmas Day workforce; there will be a heck of a lot more field workers than chiefs punching the clock.
6. Christmas is the time for doing a little extra for someone.
Work a little, rest a little, do a little extra and the spirit of generosity will find its way back to the people who earned it. Carry small gifts to give to the patients if you are a medic, wear a Santa hat if you are a cop, have a friend deliver a dessert or something to the holiday gathering with a message to everybody that you wish you were there. You are stuck at work, no sense being stuck in misery.
7. Because somebody has to.
We‘re firefighters, cops, EMTs and soldiers for a reason. We didn‘t choose this way of life, it chose us. We take the good with the bad, and stand up when many sit down. It‘s the way we‘re wired. We work so others can enjoy the very thing we are working to preserve. And just as importantly, we work so that what we are working to preserve will be there when our work is through — when it‘s our turn to enjoy. It‘s sweeter having earned it.
Merry Christmas everybody, stay safe and wherever you are, enjoy!
