When I was a starving (and hence, much skinnier) reporter working horrible night shifts at the Washington Post, I don't ever remember being forced to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I often did because I needed the holiday pay, but I rarely, if ever, had to ... even if I was on the schedule.

That's because one of my Jewish colleagues would invariably ask me if I wanted to trade shifts. Even if he or she had a nice 10 to 7 p.m. gig and I had the 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift. Some of them weren't particularly religious. But they were all nice. And considerate.

I think of that every Christmas, and it gives me extra appreciation for folks who are required to work holidays, either because of their jobs/dedication or because they are covering a gap for somebody for whatever reason.

So if you are on duty this holiday weekend, for whatever reason, thanks. Many of us do understand and appreciate it. And if you are off (finally) like me, enjoy yourself.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and here's to a safe New Year.

To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

---

NEARLY USELESS FACTOID
By Julia Ziegler

Most historians say the first decorated Christmas trees appeared in the U.S. in the mid 1800s, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.