Spending Christmas at work

Published December 2011

While many Jamaicans are gearing up to spend Christmas Day with family and friends, some are preparing themselves mentally for the job that brings the funds needed to survive, but takes away one of the most exciting times of the year that they desire to spend with loved ones.

Craig West, a fireman for over 15 years, and Tonnetta Peart a correctional officer for the past eight years are two such individuals. West has been juggling roles as an instructor and a truck driver during his tenure at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and explains that the fire department plays a critical role in the ‘silly season’ when fun and partying increase, and many forget that they need to be responsible and careful at home and in the streets.

“People tend not to stop and think because they are more in a celebratory mode at that time, “West told Positive Parenting. He adds that his job around that time of the year is essential to the well being of many, as he is often called to put out fires, or to cut persons from motor vehicles when they are involved in dangerous accidents.

Knowing that, West, a father of three girls does not put up a resistance to his call of duty during the Yuletide season, and more significantly, on Christmas Day. “It’s very important, somebody has to do it. We have to be there for people who need the help,” he said, adding that he was transferred to Kingston after working two years in St. Mary, his home, and that of his children.

West grew up in an extended family, and one which emphasized the importance of family dinner and reunions on Christmas Day. But unfortunately, his job does not allow him to share this tradition with his children and he bemoans the fact that his girls are not able to enjoy his company at that time. “Most Christmas mi find miself on duty because some people nuh turn up so who deh a work get hold fi extra duties,” he added.

Like West, Peart plays a vital role for the country during Christmas, as she works in the Department of Correctional Services. To keep her family focused on the importance of her job, the mother of four explains why she has to be at work, what can happen if she is not there and the importance of her work to the family. “Mi tell dem say Mummy haffi go work in order fi dem get toys and food, so dem understand,” she explained.

Peart loves the traditional Christmas celebrations and routines, which always include cake baking on Christmas Eve, changing curtains and bed linen, a Christmas dinner complete with at least three meat kinds and the company of her extended family. However, as soon as she got the call for the job to become a correctional officer, she knew all of that would change. “When we did the application they mentioned that working on Christmas, other holidays and weekends would be included,” she said, adding that individuals had to choose whether or not to take the job based on those grounds.

And the changes did come, as she has only spent two of the eight Christmases at home since her appointment in the Correctional Services. So how does she manage with this break in her annual routine? Peart works on a shift, so she is still able to bake on Christmas Eve or the day before. As for cleaning, this is an incremental process, and she starts a few days before the ‘big day’.

Dinner is a different ball game and does not always work out as well as she would like, so again, she has some more explanations for her little ones. “Mi tell dem say dem nuh mus get dem boasty dinner on Christmas Day, but dem know say Mommy a go make it up when she get a day off,” she added enthusiastically.

Likewise for West, his absence does not mean lack of contact with his children, as he ensures that they have gifts and pocket money to do shopping. “Every child will want to go on the town whether to a concert, shopping or just to look. I don’t want them to feel left out, so if it’s to buy a cotton candy or ice cream, they will have some money,” he said. And, on Christmas Day, a phone call to the little ones makes his day, providing comfort, love and sharing the most thrilling moments.

Even better, travelling home to see his children in the New Year is one of the best things he could ask for. By then, they would have endured the anticipation and thrill of Christmas, and re-generated a new rush of excitement to see him.