I grew up and am still in a “shifts” family, too…
Mum was sister of an ICU so was usually on an early, bless her.
Dad also medical, brother and uncle police, aunts midwives (and always on call over Christmas) etc etc
[On a tangent, one Christmas, my aunt as on call as usual and we were spending Boxing Day with them
Mid meal she got a call out - lady with severe pains thought she was going into labour…
My aunt rushed to her house to see her, and returned not too long afterwards.
Turned out to be trapped wind caused by eating too much Xmas pudding and the like!
]
Anyway, yes it’s so important to remember those serving or otherwise working on Christmas Day, and over the festive season.
As you say, the world doesn’t stop!
I’ve worked myself at hospital on Xmas day and I have to say I loved it! Nice atmosphere and good to cheer up patients stuck there.
Also volunteered at a homeless shelter which was also good fun…
I would give ANYthing now to be able to do that, or to have poor mum rushing back home from work at 4pm, shattered, and serving up Christmas dinner in her uniform [we did help!]
Because of my illness, I’ve spent most of the past ?15+ Christmases - and New Years - on my own
A couple of times I was well enough to see mum for an hour on the day but not for years.
It’s hard, especially since dad died over Christmas, and all the ads and so on can make you feel even lonelier, but mostly I try not to think about it.
And I am so grateful for many things.
Including the fact I have a nice home, my cat and technology which means I can stay in touch with friends and FaceTime family when I’m up to it.
Makes you realise what a hullabaloo a lot of it all is, but do please cherish time spent with your loved ones and enjoy sharing a meal together… X
PS. Sorry, I’ve done it again and written an essay!