AS the song ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ says, the season arrives and our troubles end up “miles away”.
For most of us this is true, but, for a select few, it’s business as usual at this time of year.
An army of people will be getting up for work as usual tomorrow, despite it being the biggest holiday of the year.
They’ll be working hard to ensure folk stay safe and secure — and some will just be on duty to help us relax and enjoy the day.
For the likes of the emergency services and the council, it’s their job to ensure society’s most vulnerable people are being looked after and even that they’re being fed.
And for those less enthused about feeding themselves, the hospitality sector is preparing to welcome those who have booked a meal out on Christmas Day.
Cammy McRae, watch manager and firefighter at Kingsway East Fire Station, has been protecting Dundee’s residents for the last 26 years at Christmas.
He said: “We’re trusted by the community, who call us if they don’t know who to call — it’s a very important time to protect society.
“We try to keep a festive atmosphere, but our job is to make your Christmas safe — that comes first. Teamwork and unity is always important to us, as the reality is that the last person we could see could be our colleague.
“To have a tragedy at this time of year is painful. It hits us especially hard — the firies feel it.”
Alan Simpson, a firefighter with 19 years’ service, said the teams on duty are trained for any eventuality on any day of the year.
Superintendent Graeme Murdoch, of Police Scotland, said: “Our officers will be out on Christmas Day helping to make your time with family and friends an enjoyable occasion. We hope that you remember our festive safety messages — please look after each other and have a great time.”
Meanwhile, Dundee City Council’s social response team is also hard at work to make sure Dundonians are cared for.
Lindsey Gibson, team manager, said: “It’s amazing how the little things can help. We spend extra time at Christmas to tackle loneliness.
“We deliver 5,000 meals weekly, primarily to the elderly, disabled and mental health sufferers. A lot of the people have no family and our job is to build a relationship and make people feel festive.
“I believe we provide an invaluable service for Dundee, particularly at this time of year.”
Team member Scott Kennedy, 24, said: “I’m happy to sacrifice Christmas Day for this.
“I think it’s a calling more than a career, as you need to care deeply.
“There’s great satisfaction knowing you’re helping to keep someone at home.”
Brett Ingle, general manager of Dundee’s Malmaison hotel — which will welcome Christmas Day diners — said: “This will be my 25th Christmas Day spent at work, but my first at Malmaison. I don’t mind it at all. It’s all part of working in the hospitality industry.
“It’s actually really special to see everyone enjoying themselves, with parents relaxing and children excitedly opening their presents.
“There will be 30 of us working Christmas Day this year and we’ll make sure that both the team and guests have an amazing time. We’re fully booked tomorrow so it will be a busy one, but, if past experience is anything to go by, it will also be fun.”