While most people wake up on Christmas morning to a feeling of anticipation and glee, those of us heading to work aren’t as lucky.
The doctors, nurses, emergency service workers, clergy, engineers, journalists and hospitality staff will be trudging to the office like any other day.
This is the reality for more than 10,000 people in Nigeria who will be working this Christmas Day.
From someone who’s done it, here are a few of the struggles.
1. The issue of actually getting to the office
Public transport pretty much comes to a standstill on Christmas Day.
Which is excellent if you have a car, but becomes pretty problematic if you’re trying to commute in the city
Here’s to spending all your hard-earned cash on extortionately priced taxis.
2. The dress code
It’s pretty much essential for you to wear some kind of Christmas jumper or Santa’s hat.
Or tinsel wrapped around your head, body, ear or some other appendage.
The official Christmas colors: red, green, white, gold.
If you don’t, you’ll have to be content with being considered the office Scrooge.
3. The obscene amount of Christmas food
Scattered on the desks, in the lounge room, in the locker room, receptions, everywhere really – find Celebrations, mince pies and cakes galore in every corner.
4. But it can’t rival your prospective Christmas dinner
The problem is you know what is waiting for you at home.
And no amount of Quality Street food can fill the turkey and chicken void.
5. The social media envy
It doesn’t help that people feel the need to litter their Instagram and Snapchat feeds with festive family antics.
Yes, you and your dog look great in antlers, but I’m at work, OK?
Stop sending me WhatsApp messages when I haven’t opened a single present yet.
6. The family guilt that hangs over you all day
Unfortunately, while you are feeling sorry for yourself for having to work, you are also filled with guilt that you’re not with your family.
Even when your mum says: ‘Don’t worry love, we’ll have our Christmas dinner at 8pm when your home,’ you know she’d rather have it earlier.
7. The biggest clock watching event of the century
Literally. Watching. Every. Minute. Pass.
8. The noticeable lack of Christmas music
Seriously, I need to hear Rocking’ Around the Christmas Tree to feel vaguely festive.
Otherwise, this is just a normal day.
9. The extra pay is irrelevant
Because all you want is turkey and Slade.
10. The tinge of smugness
Your job is worthy enough to be needed 24/7.
And that feels good.
Merry Christmas.
