Christmas wishes for those in essential services

Merry Christmas

@Asylum (47893)

Manchester, England

December 24, 2015 4:25am CST

Many of us are accustomed to having a short break at Christmas. This may vary from a couple of days to a week, but it is always a welcome aspect of this season. However, there are vast numbers of people who are employed in essential services, such as Police, Fire Brigade and hospital staff etcetera. I realise that taking such employment is entirely their own decision, but most people in those professions take their responsibilities very seriously. These people are likely to be working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day while the majority of people are enjoying time with friends and family. We depend on these people throughout the year, but at this time of year we should be extra grateful for the commitment they show to protect and care for us. If you are having a drink this Christmas, please remember to offer a toast to those dedicated individuals who put our safety and health before their own Christmas pleasures.

23 people like this

22 responses

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

24 Dec 15

Please add the prison service to your list. Sadly the prisoners can't be sent home to give all the staff a break.

5 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

It was inevitable that I would overlook someone worthy of a mention, of which there are no doubt others that I have forgotten too.

2 people like this

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

24 Dec 15

@Asylum Yes, of course. The armed forces, perhaps. But it was a nice wish anyway.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

@boiboing Those are two that should have been included for certain. It is a little late for me to add them to the animated text because I would need to start anew, but I may edit the discussion and add them.

1 person likes this

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@jaboUK (64361)

• United Kingdom

24 Dec 15

A very timely reminder - thanks Barry.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

These people are easily forgotten or taken for granted, but they will be patrolling in the cold to protect the public and on standby at the hospitals for any emergency.

3 people like this

@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

24 Dec 15

A very good reminder indeed@jaboUK

1 person likes this

@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

25 Dec 15

@Asylum they do have their job cut out for them on this day.

1 person likes this

@allknowing (130064)

• India

24 Dec 15

I cannot think of anyone who is in any kind of service who is known to me. May be I should just raise the toast to all in general.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Absolutely, because they will be on duty regardless. You may not know them personally, but they will be available in case you need their services.

3 people like this

@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

24 Dec 15

Very good idea to toast all of those mentioned @allknowing

@rebelann (111178)

• El Paso, Texas

24 Dec 15

They deserve our thanks especially at this time of the year when their families miss them being home for the festivities. I salute them ALL!!

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Well said and exactly my sentiments.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (205772)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Dec 15

Yep, when I worked for Department of Corrections, I worked most Christmases and Thanksgivings. Thanks for the nod.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Such acknowledgements are well deserved by those who commit their times and sometimes risk their lives for other while the rest of the population are celebrating.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

@Marcyaz Some coastguards may end up at sea in turbulent waters while we are enjoying Christmas.

1 person likes this

@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

24 Dec 15

@Asylum they certainly do deserve acknowledgement for their tireless dedication to those in need.

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@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

24 Dec 15

My son works in a grocery store. He has to work till 10 pm tonight. Not an essential service but sadly he won't be able to go with us to my brother's house. To all that make our lives safe, I say have a very Merry Christmas where ever you are tonight and tomorrow.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

I worked in bars for around 15 years, so I worked every Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

2 people like this

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

24 Dec 15

@Asylum Yup the bars gotta be open.

1 person likes this

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

25 Dec 15

@fishtiger58 On Christmas Eve my son worked until 10 pm, when the store closed. He was told by his boss for him and another guy to stand at the door and tell anyone coming in before closing that they had so many minutes to get what they needed. The workers wanted to go home for Christmas. At a couple minutes after 10 a man came up demanding to be let in. My son and the other worker told him it was after 10 store closed. He looked in and saw people paying for their purchases. My son had to explain they were in the store before closing. The man became really irate and almost punched my son, he ducked. Then he started pounding on the windows. Manager called police and the man was arrested. Manager told my son you should have punched him back, which of course is against store rules. My son is a gentle soul. The guy wanted a loaf of bread. Some people are just too stupid for words.

@kaka135 (14916)

• Malaysia

24 Dec 15

Thanks for reminding us, and remembering those people who work so hard even on these holidays.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Most people will not notice them, although those who need their assistance certainly will.

2 people like this

@scheng1 (24650)

• Singapore

24 Dec 15

The police hates Christmas Eve. This is the time when drunk drivers traditionally caused more accidents than at any other time of the year.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

It is also a horrific day for hospital staff, especially those working in the Accident and Emergency departments. Nevertheless, they are all on duty at this time of year, for which I am very grateful.

1 person likes this

Arthur Chappell

@arthurchappell (45002)

• Preston, England

24 Dec 15

Well said - these people are there to keep us safe if we require it

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

This is true, but it is so easy for forget, especially while people are enjoying their Christmas.

2 people like this

@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)

• United States

24 Dec 15

For road crews as well, who are cleaning up snow in various parts of the world so that travelling families can arrive safely.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Yes, there are many services that we depend on, but it is difficult to remember them all at times.

1 person likes this

@marlina (154166)

• Canada

24 Dec 15

Yes, I raise my coffee to all those dedicated good people who are there when we need them and do a terrific job. Merry Christmas to all!

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

It is too easy for the general public to take these people for granted, until they are need of course.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458179)

• Switzerland

24 Dec 15

We will have a toast with our neighbor, he works at the border and this Christmas he will be on duty.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

I have already recreated the animation and uploaded a new one because it was pointed out to ne that I had overlooked a few services. Border Control is another one that I forgot.

2 people like this

@bookbar (1609)

• Sudbury, England

24 Dec 15

I'll second that, they do a great job, however much we moan about them, just remember when you have that drink, don't drive home... even essential services would prefer a quiet Christmas

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

As you said, they get enough unwarranted criticism during the year, so they should at least have our respect at this time.

1 person likes this

@Shiva49 (26202)

• Singapore

24 Dec 15

Needed appreciation Koalemos. Real sacrifice of precious time with family during these times by them. They deserve our grateful remembrance - siva

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

Yes, it is easy not to notice these people while we are enjoying our self, but they will be on duty in case we need then whether it is 2 PM or 4 AM.

2 people like this

@GardenGerty (157551)

• United States

24 Dec 15

It is always a good thing to remember those who are in essential services.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

These services never cease and run 24 hours a day whatever the circumstances.

@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

24 Dec 15

I have 2 family members that work in a State run home for challenged individuals they have to work every other Holiday, thankfully this year this are off Christmas day. One other family member works in a nursing home and he also has to work every other Holiday and has this Holiday off. Which means there co-workers will be working tomorrow. I want to wish all in essential services to have a Merry Christmas when you do get home to your family.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

It takes a certain class of caring person to work in a home of that nature.

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@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

25 Dec 15

@Asylum Yes it certainly does take a certain type of person to work there and that job is not something I could or would want to do.

@zebra2222 (5269)

• United States

25 Dec 15

We should remember those people who provide us with essential services. So true.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

26 Dec 15

They are the ones that keep the town or city safe for those who are celebrating.

Belle Starr (Iz)

@BelleStarr (61047)

• United States

31 Dec 15

What a gracious thing to suggest, I think we all too often take these hardworking people for granted.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

31 Dec 15

It becomes more than a job and the majority of them are extremely dedicated to what they do. They are often taken for granted until such time that we need those people.

1 person likes this

@Juliaacv (48445)

• Canada

25 Dec 15

Our son works as a social worker and he's off this year, but has spent many holidays doing what he loves-working in a youth group home. Bless all of these dedicated workers, without whom, our society wouldn't be complete at all.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

25 Dec 15

There has to be a passion for the job in order for people to be doing this type of employment in the place. Nevertheless, it is till a high price to pay, especially for those with families, to work during the festive season.

1 person likes this

@Juliaacv (48445)

• Canada

25 Dec 15

@Asylum I thought that it was easier on our son at the time then he recalls it to have been. We were talking about it today, and he said it was really hard.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

25 Dec 15

@Juliaacv That may be an opinion he has developed in retrospect now that he realises now much better it is to take the period as a holiday.

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@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

24 Dec 15

They certainly deserve to be in our thoughts. I worked 18 years before I had a Christmas off. I could not believe what I had been missing. These days I get it off automatically but that does not mean I forget my colleagues who are working.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

24 Dec 15

It has to be especially demanding for those with young children.