On Christmas Day, as many Summerlanders sit down to enjoy a special family holiday dinner, some will not have the opportunity to take part in the festivities.
Police officers and medical workers will be working on Christmas Day.
Others, such as paramedics, firefighters, electrical workers and those responsible for snow removal will be on call, ready to drop everything and spring into action if the need arises.
For these people, the holiday season does not always follow tradition.
Instead of a turkey dinner with family, some may have a cold turkey sandwich in the staff lunch room or a plate of leftovers at home, long after the rest of the family has gone to bed.
Their special festivities may be bumped to another day.
It’s not just the workers who are affected by Christmas work schedules. Family members must also make some adjustments in order for everyone to be able to spend a special holiday celebration together.
We all depend on the consistent service of our first responders, health care workers and others, although most of the time their important service goes unnoticed.
Without their ongoing, around-the-clock commitment, a problem or an emergency arising on Christmas Day could easily turn into a much more serious disaster.
Their work allows the rest of us to relax and enjoy the holiday.
This Christmas, please take a moment to think of those who provide health care and protective services as well as those who ensure our public utilities are functioning throughout the year.
And if you know someone who will be working on Christmas Day, thank him or her for the service and offer your warmest holiday wishes.
They will appreciate the gesture.