Who wants to work on Christmas Day?
Certainly, there are those who don’t mind it and/or who could use the money, as there are others who may prefer the distraction.
But there are also cases where choice isn’t an option – not unless you want to risk upsetting your employer in these tenuous economic times. If the boss schedules you to work on Christmas Day, you’re going to work.
Not a big thing? That depends on the individual. Obviously, the day for many is steeped in tradition and nostalgia. A big part of that is family, and spending time with them, be it opening gifts at the crack of dawn in front of a brightly lit tree, or gathering around the supper table in goofy paper hats, sharing a labour-intensive feast.
Christmas is that one day of the year when families can put aside any differences, get together and be a little silly. How could anyone want to sacrifice this for a day’s work?
There are always going to be people out on Christmas Day in need of gas, or wanting to dine out, or who forgot to buy a gift and are in dire need of the most suitable item the local convenience store has to offer.
And then there are medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents and all the other potential holiday horrors that require paramedics and police and doctors and nurses and firefighters and all those who provide emergency services without fuss or hesitation, every day of the year.
Oh, and if a waterline breaks or snow is coming down in heaps on Christmas Day, you can expect municipal and/or provincial staff will be out there taking care of things.
So on Dec. 25th, if you’re out on the town and should come across a gas station attendant who’s looking a little blue, a cashier gazing longingly out the window, or anyone stuck having to work that day, please extend what warmth and kindness you can. Let them know they’re appreciated. It may go a long way to helping them have a Merry Christmas too.
