Ahhh the Holidays. Can't you see it? You're at home, enjoying the company of your loved ones. Your house is covered in jolly decorations and embarrassing pictures of your childhood. There are presents under the tree and family gathering will soon ensue. Although there are parts you may dread such as the sudden interrogation of your life or the uncle you're not the biggest fan of, you can't help but enjoy.
We used to take Christmas vacations to mountain towns when I was a kid. I would look forward to the early mornings of snow covered mountains tops. Everyone crammed into a small condo rushing around to get their ski gear on while my dad whipped up bacon and coffee. We would ski open to close, leaving ourselves exhausted to the bone at days end. I would wake up so sore I didn't know how I managed to lug myself out of bed. It made me feel like I was living a dream. The only responsibility we had was to wake up, eat, ski, and soak up some good ole human connection.
Through those joyous, easy going trips, never did I once consider those whom served us at the restaurants, or cashed us out at a retail store. The lifties who told us to enjoy our days, or the techs who fit us with skis. Not once did I think to myself, wow, they're working on Christmas? Do they get to see their family? Do they get to celebrate?
Now I am one of them.
As I was bartending the other day I heard one of the locals ask his buddy if he was going home. He responded,"No, honestly, you guys are more of a family to me than my real family."
At first, I felt quite sad for him, but with more thought, my feelings changed.
I would do anything to be with my family. But being a seasonal worker provides this unique opportunity to build family like bonds with your friends, coworkers, and neighbors. They're who you lean on, celebrate with, relate you. We all grind through this season, working long hours, and catering to these families visiting our town, because that's when we make some real money to support this beautiful yet difficult life we choose to live. It's something I never considered when I was a kid, and I'm sure most people I interact with this coming week will thing twice about.
No, I'm not alone this holiday. I'll be spending it with my family <3
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