Two Unforgettable Christmases: Loss and Irritation

It's not every day that one can say that their worst Christmas was marked by both loss and a workplace mishap. Reflecting back, I can vividly recall two Christmases that left an indelible mark on my life—a personal tragedy and a moment of onset frustration in the workplace. In this article, we'll delve into these experiences, exploring the challenges and emotions of these events.

The Terrible Holiday: 2021 Christmas Day

2021 was not just a regular year; the holiday season brought with it a personal tragedy. On Christmas Day, my father passed away. This day felt particularly harsh, especially when contrasted with the customary festive and joyous atmosphere. The attempt to make the most out of the day was bittersweet. I tried to focus on the food and the friends, but the sadness of losing my father was too overwhelming to ignore. Despite the efforts to focus on the positive, the emotions of the day were nonetheless deeply impacted by my father's passing.

Embassy Duty and the Dark Side of Christmas

Contrasting with the personal tragedy, 2020 had its own set of challenges, particularly when I served as the junior personnel officer at an embassy. Before the eventful Christmas, I recall a routine duty week where I was the on-call officer. The closing days of the year were a mix of normalcy and a bit of anxiety, as the diligent rule of being reachable during duty hours was paramount.

On Christmas Eve, things went rather well; I had a gathering with a friend and managed to be in touch through the duty phone, which I carried with me. However, the next day, a significant event disrupted our holiday spirits. An employee at the embassy passed away after suffering a heart attack while using the restroom during a holiday dinner. Typically, the Personnel Officer is tasked with handling such incidents, but this time, he was not only occupied with the sad event but also with the blame game.

A Turbulent Day at Work

The aftermath of the incident led to an intense discussion with my boss, who was himself the Personnel Officer. He was unequivocal in his anger, believing that I had neglected my duty to be reachable, which is a serious fault for a duty officer. His insistence that I should have been physically present or reachable through various means made me question the corporate responsibility in such situations. My defense was simple: I had followed the protocol strictly by informing the switchboard and carrying the duty phone at all times.

However, as I clashed with him, it became clear that he had not even attempted to contact me through the established channels. This realization turned the situation into an uncomfortable and frustrating confrontation. His insistence that I should have been home despite the explicit embassy rule and the lack of a mobile phone in those days (except for James Bond) seemed rooted in a misplaced responsibility and a misunderstanding of duties.

Despite the misplaced anger and the turn of events, the day had its lighter moments. One incident that stands out was the time a high-ranking employee called me at midnight, agitated about the method of toilet paper—squares versus a continuous roll. A simple reminder that 'it's Europe, dude' and the realization of his straightforward mistake brought a small yet needed laugh to the day.

Lessons Learned

From these two Christmases, several lessons emerged. Firstly, the importance of personal well-being during times of loss cannot be understated. Secondly, the need for clear communication and understanding in workplace policies to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Lastly, the importance of humor and perspective in the face of challenging situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Christmases defined two distinct aspects of my annual holiday experience. The personal tragedy of losing a loved one and the professional scrutiny made 2021 and 2020 memorable for all the wrong reasons. However, reflecting on these events provides valuable insights into handling loss, workplace ethics, and maintaining a balanced perspective.