Angel works 3 days a week, 12 hr. shifts, every 3rd weekend (often more weekends than that, even, to my chagrin) and quite a few holidays. I haven't spent a 4th of July with him yet, which is a little sad because that boy loves fireworks. On Memorial Day I go to parades and picnics with my relatives, but not with Angel. Last year he worked Christmas Eve night shift, which meant that he came home at 8 am Christmas morning and promptly went to bed. This year he's working Christmas Day.
Christmas 2011
Now--before you start scolding me and telling me how good I have it--I already know that I have it good! Angel's job is a blessing to us! I'm so grateful that he got a college education and was able to get a job in his field immediately, and that his paycheck supports us well. I feel much worse for the people who have to be in hospitals on the holidays because they're actually sick than the people who have to be there in order to keep their job. And I know I should feel more sorry for Angel, since he's the one who actually has to work on Christmas, than for me--who will, most likely, heartlessly travel to the other side of the state to visit relatives for a few days.
I know it's not reasonable to feel sad that I don't get to spend Christmas with my husband. It's such a small thing, when you look at the blessed life we have. But I am just a little sad. It kind of reminds me of our first Valentine's Day together....which was also our first Valentine's day as a married couple and the very first romantic Valentine's day of my life (Angel was my first boyfriend, you know), and Angel was working, so I went to a Valentine's Day party without a date. You know, how it's not a huge thing, but you did think that when you got married, you'd finally actually have a date to things like Valentine's Day parties?
Christmas 2008; the last time I was with my family for Christmas
There's nothing earth-shattering about this post. It's just that when I start watching Christmas movies and start getting excited about the presents collecting under the tree, I start remembering that I don't get to spend Christmas with my mom and dad, my little sisters, or even my husband! In all honesty, because I'm weak and frail, that does make me a little sad. But at the same time, I'm so, so grateful for all the people that I won't be spending Christmas with this year!
And all you nurses, doctors, policemen, and everyone else who has to work on Christmas, THANK YOU!
Oh dear. I guess I am spoiled. Well, maybe not. Brian gets holidays off but I don't! Le Sigh :(
You're exactly right, I always thought that when I got married I'd have an automatic built in date. Especially Christmas and Valentines parties. Christmas is always more magical when spent with family. Sulk away, I feel your pain.
It's okay to feel that way. You're not a selfish person, because you do realize how great your life is! It's human nature to feel bummed when we can't spend time with those that you care about!
I don't blame you one little bit for being sad you don't get to spend Christmas (or other holidays) with your husband!! I would be sad too - and you definitely have a better attitude about it than I probably would! ;)
Aww, I can relate to this post because I work in retail and always have to work on the holidays. I miss most with my family (especially because they're about 1000 miles away) and wish I could change that! Hope you have a wonderful Holiday season!
xo Michelle
Fierce & Fashionable
I think it's totally okay that you're a little blue about not getting to spend holidays with your loved ones (especially your husband). It's a bittersweet feeling, definitely. Maybe y'all should flip the holidays and celebrate them at odd times of the year :) Christmas in July, Independence day in December, Valentine's Day in August... That way you get your fix! :)
-Sarah
www.sweetandsavorylife.com
www.facebook.com/sweetandsavorylife
It's perfectly ok to be sad! I would be too. You have a great husband who is willing to work on the holidays. I hope you still have a great Christmas!
It is sad, isn't it? I have spent Christmas away from my family for many years now. It's never easy. :) I do hope you still manage to have a merry one. :)
My hubby works every major holiday (he's a fireman) and it does get old. We spent Thanksgiving apart and in truth we have only had a couple together. I know exactly how you feel. He does make it up to me by taking multiple days off for my birthday and also large vacations twice a year...not a bad consolation:)
You are allowed to be sad about it, and I know because I go through this too. As long as you don't dwell on it for too long ;)
I really want to pull the "I'm a marine wife, let me tell you about what my husband misses on a yearly basis," but I am definitely not! What I'm trying to get at is that I understand the heartache all too well. Even while having a growing five year old sister, I know everything is just the same as when last saw them. Mom is working, my sister is still being a smartypants and their worlds are still going around, that's how I cope with the distance. I know they're happy. As for my husband and I, it's the quality of time we spend together, not the quantity. Christmas is a big holiday, but everyday can be just as big as Christmas if you want it to be :)Keep your head up, girl! I think many people want to thank my husband for what he does, but I think the men and woman like your husband are just as big of heroes for what they do on a daily basis! Happy holidays!
Hi Rachel! Thanks so much for linking up! I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and find some quality time to spend together! :)
-Kristen
The Mrs. and The Momma
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