Christmas Realizations Of An On The Job Trainee

I was supposed to cook for the family Christmas dinner, and the plan was already set – I had the 8 am – 4 pm shift on the 24^th, was going to go home straight away, and prepare this chicken dish my grandmother specifically wanted. I say I was SUPPOSED TO because on the evening on the 23^rd, one of the hotel’s cooks accidentally spilled boiling oil all over herself. My classmate called me to let me know that I was to be pulled out from the pastry kitchen, where I had been staying comfortably for the last month, and put in the show kitchen. Since it was Christmas Eve and all, there was a special buffet and I was to be assigned to the ham carving station… on the 3pm – 11pm shift.

My heart sank. Really Low. Down to my feet. How could I not spend Christmas Eve with my family? I had never done that before. We always had 2 different dinners at our grandparents’ houses. We always went to church after dinner together. But thinking that if I wanted to work in this field, I would have to get used to working not only on Christmas, but also on other holidays and special occasions (i.e. a family member’s birthday, a good friend’s despedida).

So yes, I went to duty at 3 in the afternoon, while wishing that time would fly faster. There were some familiar faces that had dinner at the hotel (with their families, to my complete jealousy, I admit), and they were surprised that I had to work at that time. “Grabeha gud,” one said to me. Yes, grabe bitaw, but someone’s got to do the work, yes?

If it’s any consolation, it was nice to know that at least there are people who I can say do appreciate those who have to work during the times that most take their days off. I received my first ever tip from a grateful mother for bringing soup to their table. One guest even used a function room to give every single employee a cake & a pair of panties. Yes, panties. I gave my cake to a cook who was on the midnight shift, seeing that she probably deserved it more than I did, and I gave the underwear to another practicumer, seeing that I had no need for it (but mostly because she asked for it).

But anyway, I guess what I’m really trying to say is that I’ve found a whole new level of respect for those who cannot spend Christmas with their families (a special shout out to my brother, who just spent his first Christmas in New Zealand hahaha). To all the cooks, servers, security guards, nurses, stewards, and everyone else who missed out/is missing out on the festivities, your sacrifices keep not only the industries you’re in, but also the whole world, moving.

Merry Christmas!