A long time ago, I made a Post that extolled the virtue of those that back the military units sent in frontline ( and beyond ) combat :
http://definitivelapseofreason.com/2013/07/12/the-sweet-sound-of-helo-blades-in-the-night/
That precise subject might not fit the spirit of Christmas but the general idea applies nonetheless. Here then is a more appropriate version!
By mid-afternoon on December 24th, a lot of shops will have closed in the countries where Christmas is a central tradition. Even if you are not concerned with the Christian holy day yourself, living in those places sees you partake in the rituals. Your vacation probably began by the end of last week and it is likely that since, you were rushing for last minute gifts, searching for foodstuff to make up the family reunion’s meal(s) and running all sorts of errands. This almost holds for those that do not participate in the religious or social events for as many are not working, the services that we otherwise count on will quite possibly not operate over the next couple of days. It is less true than it used to be on account of the global world and market and the relative drop in religious fervor but still, most people are indeed on vacation until the morning of the 26th at least. And, mind you, my readers from other lands can apply this Post’s content to their respective environment. They too have a few days every year when most activities stop for a religious event or a National Day.
For me, it all begins as I shop around. As soon as the majority is in break, I make it a duty to inquire gently about the opening hours of each commerce. Gently because you’d be surprised how many people make abrupt calls to stores asking bluntly about their availability and complaining sternly if the answer is not to their liking. Gently because I want to make it clear that I only want to know in order to manage around their schedule and no more. Gently especially if my interlocutor is an employee that may not be enthralled by his or her conditions in which case I will express my support and convey my sympathy.
It does not take much of my time to do so and while it may not solve their problem, it might bring them appeasement to know that not all clients are demanding egoists that expect the kind of service that they’d not be ready to provide? After all, if I have time and money to shop, am I not amongst the lucky ones? Let’s be gracious!
Then … 
Whether you take the bus or drive to your folks for the evening tonight or tomorrow, remember that the bus or snow plower driver is at work! They’d both rather be home with their family too but if they were, you’d lack the means to reach yours? If you come back from the Midnight mass to find the house broken into and the gifts pillaged, the Police will respond to your call. Just as the soldiers and air traffic controllers, the law enforcement officers are on duty every minute of every day and night. And your city’s firehouses are staffed in case you light up your Christmas tree too literally?
Similarly, if your mom slips on the ice patch by the church, if aunt Betty gets sick over the fish or cousin Jim drinks in excess, an ambulance will come to bring them to a hospital where nurses and doctors will take care of them? All of them would have loved to be around the big table or unwrapping gifts at this time but instead are on the standby to attend to others.
To all of them, could you take the time to offer sincere thanks for their service? They are our collective support crew. If someone in your gang is amongst them and gets there late and tired, don’t forget to keep them a hot plate but also in addition to pat them on the back emotionally as well as physically by emphasizing the quality of soul it takes to give such time up for the benefit of others. From the convenience store clerk to the ER nurse, this little extra attention is what reassures them that their efforts are not in vain, that it’s worth toughing it out next time too. They support us, support them back too? Besides, you’ll be surprised how doing so will pay for itself by easing you into the spirit of the holiday?
And if you have the will and the means, you too can be part of the support crew. For there are those that have none of the worries we evoked : no work either to perform of to be on leave from, no family to go home to and even possibly no home? Carry a handful of change in one pocket, something that will be easy if you’re caught in the smorgasbord of Christmas shopping,right? I don’t care if it’s dimes quarters or dollars / euros! The first important thing is to give unless you have no relation whatsoever to the concept of the day. The second thing is to do so frankly : do not drop the piece as you whizz by but go up to them, look and smile as you hand it! -”Merry Christmas to you, buddy ( or sir )!” Later that night in a coffee shop whose employees are missing Christmas at home, someone will think of you for the warm beverage, environment and feeling.
If you understand the call of the one celebrated on this holiday, do trust that this thought of that lowly loner will reach the heavens faster and more certainly than either the cries of joy for the toys or any prayer uttered at mass if you forgot to extend the generosity!
Are you part of the support crew?
Merry Christmas to you and yours in any case, Tay.
Definitive Lapse of Reason 