satpak77

Kind of venting (hey, I warned you...) but does working on X-Mas (and being on the road) while the family is home, without dad, at what point does it get easier.

Just found out that (once again) I am working X-Mas. Yes, comes with the territory, etc etc but eating "Christmas dinner" at Golden Corral 1000 miles away from home is never something I wish on anyone.

commentary wanted

kingairfun

Christmas is probably the toughest one.. Atleast while the kids are still young.. Maybe when they're teenagers it will be easier to miss...

Birthdays, we just make the party some other day when I know I'll be around..

Graduations and really important once in a lifetime events I refuse to miss when the time comes.

johnso29

I think it only gets easier if you make it easier. Anytime I have to work Christmas, I embrace the fact that I have a job. I usually work wearing a festive tie and a Santa hat. It helps my mood. Being away from my family always sucks, so over the years I've learned that is not so much the actual day that matters but rather the time together.

Timbo

When it happend to me, (many times) we would celebrate a day or two early, before my trip. The kids liked getting their gifts early, excpet for what Santa brings on Xmas eve, of course. Then the wife and kids would go to visit the rest of the family on the 25th. This is where being close to your (or her) family will help her.

You will have to deal with it in your own way, ie. I hope there's a bar open and a game on! A couple of trips were actually fun as the most junior F/A's are flying on Xmas. They would bring egg nog, rum, cookies, etc. and we had in room parties if nothing else was open, and usually, there's not even an open gas station to buy beer!

When Life gives you lemons, or limes, you make...margaritas!

Don't forget the salt... ;^)

Where will you be laying over? Maybe someone on this board can point you in the right direction.

hockeypilot44

I try to bid trips that get me home on the holiday. I don't mind working Xmas or Thanksgiving, but I hate sitting in a hotel when everything's closed. It's depressing.

Justdoinmyjob

I'll be in the JFK crew lounge Christmas Eve. Get back late on the 24th, and go back out morning of the 25th.

JoeyMeatballs

I am dreading having to work holidays in the future, especially with a 5 month old at home........

Bainite

With the combination of Marine Corps duty, air ambulance pilot, and airlines, have worked every Christmas since 1983. Don't have kids and divorced so I guess not a big deal.

Convair5800

I'm working it this yr as well. I tell myself I'm Santa! Someone's got to fly all those last minute gifts to put smiling faces on kids. Since we're flying those last minute deliveries Christmas Eve, I'll probably be spending Christmas in some hotel somewhere only to fly again the 26th. Trying to jump home for 24 hrs on the eve and the day of is challenging, especially a multi-leg commute. I'm with each of you in that spending that time is what truly matters! I've learned to appreciate the time I do have at home, but it's still challenging during the Holidays, but hey, at least I have a job.
Happy Holidays everyone! Fly safely!
CV

acl65pilot

I'll be working this year. First time in some time that I will be gone. Just going to embrace it. Why not? Looks like Africa is calling my name.....