There are hundreds of ways to celebrate Christmas and each of them, in their own right, are special.

Most of us have our holiday plans in full swing by now, whatever they are.

However, there are a group of people who will celebrate this special weekend in a different manner. They’ll work.

All across our great county, a handful of women and men will man fire stations, police cars, 911 operations and ambulances for Christmas.

Several local stores will also be open and employees will have to man those stations as well.

Over the years I’ve learned that people who work on holidays have gotten creative. Often, police or firemen with grown or no children will relieve those with small children so they can see their families Christmas morning.

Some move their celebrations up or down a few days to work with their schedules. Others simply find a way to make things work.

It takes a lot of commitment from all parties to make a celebration like these successful, but it’s one that many make work annually.

So, as you gather around your tree with your family this weekend – or however you plan to celebrate Christmas – remember those who remain at work during this time.

I offer my thanks – and a hearty Merry Christmas – to the men and women who “punched the clock” today and to those that will tomorrow.

For those who will travel to see your families or will host families, I offer you a sincere Merry Christmas as well.

I hope all your Christmas wishes come true and that Santa is as kind and generous as possible.

Christmas is what you make of it, and I hope you make yours special.

 

Jason Cannon is publisher of the Demopolis Times