My Dad Has To Work

by Christopher Robin Smith

Ever since I can remember, the holidays have been a dreaded though inevitable ritual. I watched with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as the floats at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off the holiday season. I saw the vast display of holiday lights and finery tacked to every available surface from the suburbs to the heart of downtown. Blinking lights and animated holiday figures left me cold, not just because of the temperature outside.

In school and later at work, my colleagues would ask me about my holiday plans. Doing anything special for the holidays? Would I be spending time at home? Is the family getting together this year? Will you be opening your gifts on Christmas eve (as some anxious revelers do) or waiting until Christmas morning? The answer was always the same… “My dad has to work.”

I feel guilty that I resented it so much. I mean, I know business goes on even during holiday time. Year after year after year, he worked straight through the holidays. There were some years that I practically didn’t see him for the whole month of December. My mother tried to console me, but ultimately his absence took its toll on her too. Here was my father, revered as one of the most giving men around, leaving his family alone on Christmas. As the head of an enormous manufacturing and distribution company, I guess there’s little time for idleness. He could have taken some time off, but it was a tradition with him. He just couldn’t see it any other way.
When I went away to college, I just stayed away. I wasn’t out of touch. I just didn’t make the long trip home for the holidays. It was easier that way. I didn’t have to go through the disappointment, and Mom didn’t have to watch the scenario play out as it had for so many years.

I have a family now. Last year was our first Christmas. On Christmas morning, my wife, my son and I sat beside a warm fire opening the gifts beneath the tree. My son was only nine months old, but I felt he appreciated that I was there with him. My wife did, and I know I certainly did, too. I have to admit, though, even then, I kept picturing my dad slaving away.

Well, over the last year, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Dad’s not getting any younger and won’t even think about retiring. Anyway, I’ve decided that this year I’m going to miss out on the holidays at my own home and spend the time with my dad. Since my dad has to work, I’ll go to work with him.

You’re the first to know. I haven’t even told Mom yet. So, on Christmas, while you’re tucked in your beds, I’ll be sitting on your rooftop in the sleigh while Dad makes his way down your chimney. And for the first time in my life, I’ll hear my father say, in person, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.” I think somehow my son will understand.

My Dad Has To Work

by Christopher Robin Smith

Ever since I can remember, the holidays have been a dreaded though inevitable ritual. I watched with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as the floats at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off the holiday season. I saw the vast display of holiday lights and finery tacked to every available surface from the suburbs to the heart of downtown. Blinking lights and animated holiday figures left me cold, not just because of the temperature outside.

In school and later at work, my colleagues would ask me about my holiday plans. Doing anything special for the holidays? Would I be spending time at home? Is the family getting together this year? Will you be opening your gifts on Christmas eve (as some anxious revelers do) or waiting until Christmas morning? The answer was always the same… “My dad has to work.”

I feel guilty that I resented it so much. I mean, I know business goes on even during holiday time. Year after year after year, he worked straight through the holidays. There were some years that I practically didn’t see him for the whole month of December. My mother tried to console me, but ultimately his absence took its toll on her too. Here was my father, revered as one of the most giving men around, leaving his family alone on Christmas. As the head of an enormous manufacturing and distribution company, I guess there’s little time for idleness. He could have taken some time off, but it was a tradition with him. He just couldn’t see it any other way.
When I went away to college, I just stayed away. I wasn’t out of touch. I just didn’t make the long trip home for the holidays. It was easier that way. I didn’t have to go through the disappointment, and Mom didn’t have to watch the scenario play out as it had for so many years.

I have a family now. Last year was our first Christmas. On Christmas morning, my wife, my son and I sat beside a warm fire opening the gifts beneath the tree. My son was only nine months old, but I felt he appreciated that I was there with him. My wife did, and I know I certainly did, too. I have to admit, though, even then, I kept picturing my dad slaving away.

Well, over the last year, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Dad’s not getting any younger and won’t even think about retiring. Anyway, I’ve decided that this year I’m going to miss out on the holidays at my own home and spend the time with my dad. Since my dad has to work, I’ll go to work with him.

You’re the first to know. I haven’t even told Mom yet. So, on Christmas, while you’re tucked in your beds, I’ll be sitting on your rooftop in the sleigh while Dad makes his way down your chimney. And for the first time in my life, I’ll hear my father say, in person, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.” I think somehow my son will understand.