Holidays

Texguy · September 10th, 2005, 01:45

I'm curious to hear how pilot families have handled Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/etc. if the pilot had to work at that time? How about birthdays, anniversaries and Thanksgiving? Does one get used to celebrating Christmas on December 21? Thanks.

MQAAord · September 10th, 2005, 09:25

Christmas isn't about 'December 25th'. It's about the whole spirit of the season, goodwill towards men and all that blah blah. It doesn't matter what the date is that you have Christmas, it's all about enjoying the time you have together, when you have it. Enjoy the whole Christmas season, it's about more than just Christmas Day.

Honestly, the worst thing about working Christmas is trying to find somewhere to eat. Seriously, most restaurants are closed, and you would NOT BELIEVE how hard it is to find food on Christmas.

As for me, I just head for the farm with the kids for Christmas day. We look at Bill's schedule and figure out when we're going to have Christmas 'just our family', and when we'll get together with his family, and I go to the farm. Never been an issue. I think he has a harder time being away on Christmas. I couldn't care less that he's not here on Christmas day. It's just a date, Christmas is what you make it, no matter if you open presents on the 21st, the 25th, or even save it for New Years Eve.

Kristie · September 12th, 2005, 16:20

yup, that's what i've gotten used to also.. it's just a date and everyday your together becomes a celebration...so we celebrate christmas & all hte holidays pretty much all year long...

granted, we don't have kids cuz otherwise we'd probably celebrate xmas closer to the date.. but for me, i've gotten used to the "have to work turkey weekend" or "have to work xmas and new years".. it just comes with part of the territory and as soon as your loved ones understand that it's just that - a date - they'll get used to it to working things around you too!

doug's birthday is right around turkey weekend and he is normally working, so we'll either celebrate it before or after or both.. who knows!

it seems to me that it's more difficult on those working than it is for those who are stuck at home! most people still don't give thanks "for a good flight" even on a major holiday and that can sometimes be upsetting to hear...

I normally like to stay home on the major holidays.. nice and quiet for me, no arguements, no nothing.. do what i want to do, watch what i want to watch, eat what i want to eat - nice and simple! that's my kind of holiday! besides, i like visiting all my relatives on non-holidays - it makes it all the more special and i can devote more attention to just them instead of to my other 20 relatives in the house!

Doug Taylor · September 12th, 2005, 16:41

I'll admit, on holidays like Thanksgiving and Xmas, it's like the sun never rose in the morning.

I think it's one thing when you're young, single and living in an apartment, but when you've built a home, gotten married it's different. I can't imagine how people with kids do it because it's not easy.

I could lie and say it is, but it's not!

Tim · September 12th, 2005, 17:19

Well speaking for an airline employee with kids its difficult. Fortunately for me I have had to work only 1 Christmas since son was born. We bid every 6 months or so and when you bid you try to bid good off days with holidays off. Sometimes it works and many it doesnt. Like pilots and fa's we just figure out when a day that all the family can get together and we do the gifts then. Thanksgiving isnt as bad because I work an early day shift and get home by 2 pm. As many will tell you its all about planning and realizing that sooner or later you will have enough senority to hold all those off.

ComplexHiAv8r · September 13th, 2005, 10:15

My family converted years ago to what we call "Thanksmas". It is the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the family to get together, eat WAY too much, and exchange gift. This date was done for non-rev days and kids traveling also. We rotate through 5 kids for location and we always seem to be going to the "new" house some. I get it again next year and it will be the first time that I have hosted in the same house 2 times in a row in a long time.

Texguy · September 13th, 2005, 20:39

Is that like Festivus? Thanks everyone for the replies.

ComplexHiAv8r · September 14th, 2005, 15:21

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Is that like Festivus?

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No we put up a tree, not a pole! We do have a reading of current Tabloids publications and discuss the year we have had. Guess that could almost be the airing of greivances.

ASpilot2be · September 15th, 2005, 02:29

I guess I am lucky that my dad has home for all the christmas's I remember. Altough, we did visit him at the shipyard in Portland for X-mas once

kellwolf · September 15th, 2005, 13:12

I don't think my kid(s) will have a problem with two Xmas holidays: one with my family/Nessa's family and one when Dad gets home. At least, that's the plan if we have to.

mtsu_av8er · September 18th, 2005, 00:52

I hate that Holiday!!!

However, I do love Christmas music. I've already started making my CD's for the year!!!

Tim · September 22nd, 2005, 15:27

Music this early, heck you beat Walmart. And you have way to much time on your hands

ASpilot2be · September 23rd, 2005, 02:10

Fred Meyers already has Christmas stuff out

Kristie · September 23rd, 2005, 12:07

now that's just loco!!

Kristie · September 23rd, 2005, 12:07

now that's just loco!!

sky7 · September 23rd, 2005, 16:30

[ QUOTE ]
Fred Meyers already has Christmas stuff out

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I miss Fred Meyer