An Appreciation

For the first time in a while, I have had several days around Christmas to spend with my friends and family. This has not always been the case. There is something odd about working on Christmas. Well, actually, for some people, working on holidays is just a regular part of their job, but I guess what made it weird for me is where I am working, no one actually really cares that they are working on Christmas. In Japan, Christmas is more about cake, party's, and maybe a date than anything involving three wise men, a drummer boy, or a really quiet baby. I don’t really mind working on Christmas as long as I am at least around people. The only bad Christmas for me would be a Christmas alone.

Which is why I want to send an appreciation to all those people working on these holidays. I know how it can feel like to have to work while everybody at home is celebrating. It is the type of loneliness that is easy to make a person bitter, but if it is any consolation, I think it is those people who can’t take a break this holiday which allow people who really need to touch base with their friends and families in order to touch base with themselves. When people and go out to buy their loved ones a present or go out with their friends to a restaurant during the holiday break, people have to work those hours instead of doing the same things for their  loved ones. It is that sacrifice that I want to thank people for.

Thank you to all the people setting up the lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and the people working at Lake Theatre, and the servers at Burger Boss, and the countless other people working this holiday season to bring sparks of happiness and provide services that serve as the conduit for memories for years to come.

And with that, happy holidays to all and to all a good night!