I Shouldn't Have to Work on Christmas Just Because I Don't Have Kids
A co-worker went on a rant on Facebook, complaining that she has to work on Christmas despite being with her company for 15 years. This led into a rant that basically translated to, “If you don’t have kids, you should work on Christmas for those who have them.”
Well, that just stabbed me in the remaining ovary.
Since when did we, the childless by circumstance or choice, become second class to those who have the opportunity to get pregnant and have children? More importantly, how did Christmas become a special holiday only those with kids of their own can celebrate?
Two summers ago was a scary time for me. One minute I was up at 3 a.m. in extreme pain; the next, I found myself on an operating table in preparation for emergency surgery to have a grapefruit-sized tumor and half my baby-making bits removed, making it difficult and almost fatal for me to have kids. My goals to get married and have that “soccer mom” life turned into bigger goals: moving up in the company I work for, making new friends and enjoying life the best way I can.
But even that comes at a cost, since working on a holiday at the world’s largest theme park has its not-so-magical quirks. But I have to take it with a smile and work the best I can while thousands of miles away from the ones I love.
But to create a war on Christmas based on whether or not my lady bits can make babies is an all-time low.
Be mindful of those who view family differently. Just because I haven’t had a kid doesn’t mean Christmas shouldn’t be a holiday I can celebrate. Christmas is a time of year for all to enjoy, babies or no babies.
I have a family in the form of my friends from the comic convention circuits. I have family I call my co-workers, who, like that person complaining, have to work that day, too. I may not have a conventional family down here while my real one is on the other side of the country, but I have a right to enjoy the love and magic of the season like everyone else.
To those who only think about themselves, I urge you to take a look on the other side of that picket fence and minivan and reach out to everyone with an open mind.
Merry Christmas to all, no matter what your baby-making skills are.
The Mighty published this piece recently under a straightforward title, which led to some questions and comments. I am low on seniority, yes. I know I must work holidays; after all, I signed up to work here. The funny thing about this company is that no matter if you’ve spent one year or 40 here, there’s a good chance you’ll be working the holiday, given the nature of the business. I don’t believe anyone is entitled to anything, but everyone has a right to celebrate Christmas. I know I’ll be making the most of it with just a few close friends over the course of a few days. It was my co-worker’s words specifically I took as a personal attack on those without children, which is why I wrote this story. It is less about working on the holiday for me.
Whether you are with or without family, working long hours or have the day off, I wish you the best this holiday season.
Follow this journey on Legally Blind Bagged.
The Mighty is asking the following: What’s one thing people might not know about your experience with disability, disease or mental illness during the holiday season, and what would you say to teach them? If you’d like to participate, please send a blog post to community@themighty.com. Please include a photo for the piece, a photo of yourself and 1-2 sentence bio. Check out our Share Your Story page for more about our submission guidelines.
Mandy is a writer, disability activist, and former paraprofessional, defying the odds as a woman with severe visual impairments. She’s originally from Philadelphia and a graduate of Johnson and Wales University. Mandy has been an active supporter of the self advocacy community and has spent much of her life working and volunteering with special needs adults and children. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she currently works as a parade escort and vacation planner Follow Mandy’s journey from caregiver to cast member and beyond on Legally Blind Bagged
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