Christmas is a time many associate with the birth of Christ, happiness, and an opportunity to spend time with loved ones. However for many other people, the holiday season conflicts with the pressures of daily life. From some individuals working on Christmas to children coming to the realization that the excitement of the season isn’t what it used to be, when it felt more magical, and less about having to meet constant obligations.
Unfortunately, for some people Christmas isn’t a day off, it’s another day of stress. Law enforcement, healthcare workers, Tow truck drivers, news reporters, ect. These jobs are open 24/7 and require operators. For them the need to work during the holidays can make it hard to appreciate the festivities.
“I’ve worked as a bus driver for the MTA for the past 28 years”, said Charlie Thompson who is now retired. “I remember seeing the hurt on my daughter’s face when I had to tell her that I wouldn’t be home for Christmas, every year it came around. Now that I’m retired, I’m able to cherish the time with my family and make new memories.” Many workers don’t get to be home with their families during the holidays till they’re retired, and even though some work establishments try to make the workplace seen it doesn’t compare to the feeling of being with your loved ones.
Even those who are fortunate enough to have Christmas day off are faced with the dread of having to return to work the next day. “Sometimes I find myself glancing at the clock, because I know I have to be up early in the morning the next day”, Irene Whaley, a home health aid said.
Adults and children have expressed that Christmas doesn’t feel the same. Adults are faced with the ongoing stress of having to manage financial responsibilities and work, while also prioritizing their children’s happiness. Children notice their parents working more, they grow older and have less time to enjoy the little things, such as decorating a tree, making cookies, and playing in the snow.
Xavier Manchan, a 19 yr old who was once a big Christmas lover, now finds himself distant from the holiday’s “magic”. “When I was younger my parents would let me open one gift on Christmas Eve. I would stay up till midnight, eagerly waiting to rush downstairs to tear open the wrapping paper of the rest of my gifts. The anticipation made it exciting,” he says. “Now, it just feels like any other day.” Like Xavier and many of his friends, they’re left to reminisce about the Christmases they had as children.
One student at John Dewey High School, who declined to share their name, shared the challenges of balancing schoolwork work and upcoming tests as Christmas approaches. “I’m trying to turn all of my assignments in on time and study for my tests but it’s hard when everyone keeps talking about Christmas”, she says. “I want to enjoy it but there’s so much to do before the break.” Unfortunately the stress of meeting deadlines is what many students face, as they juggle academics while still trying to enjoy the holidays.
Despite the obstacles many people try to make Christmas meaningful. Families who unfortunately can’t be together on the day itself might celebrate early or find other ways to be connected, like through facetime, or virtual gift exchanges.
Cennencia Borneo, a nurse and mother says “for me, Christmas isn’t materialistic, it’s more about spending time with family, reflecting, decompressing, and celebrating the true meaning behind the holiday, the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Some employers acknowledge the sacrifice workers are making and have made it so employees get time off, and extra pay for working on Christmas.
Even though the holiday season may feel overwhelming, because you’re having to juggle so many responsibilities, it’s still possible to find moments of joy through all the madness.
