Help, normally I agree with you...

Can you see the conflict in these two statements? If you haven't had to work one how do you know it's not a big deal? I worked Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years for the last two years. Only last Thanksgiving was by choice, it may not be a big deal but ask my wife... it is at least a deal. I'm sure I have many more in my future and we understood that with the choices I have made, but it is something.

My suggestion would be to bring your wife/husband/significant other out to enjoy the lovely Dayton area with you around Christmas. That way you don't risk anything with the company, you get to spend time with some of the family (if you can pull it off), and you can expose them to our work. Life is about compromise, especially in this profession; which is why Christmas was today in my house.

Best of luck, study well, and have fun -- see you on the line.