Silent night, holy night,

Over the next few days, some will celebrate Christmas as others begin Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or enjoy Boxing Day. Children are on winter break and college students are coming home for the holidays. As some travel to be with their loved ones, those of us staying home will be wishing for snow.

All is calm, all is bright,

Unlike the smiling pictures on Christmas cards, the holidays can be an emotional and stressful time of the year. Traditions and sentiment can weigh heavy. Some will spend too much and some will eat or drink too much.

Round yon virgin mother and Child,

Often we set our expectations too high for the perfect gathering of family and friends. Life is not perfect; life is real. You know that better than most people do, don't you?

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Some will be born over these holidays and there will be joy, while others will pass away and there will be sadness, because birth and death know no holidays.

Sleep in heavenly peace,

In the fire service, you see it all -- the good and lots of the bad -- because people call you when they are in trouble. It's just another shift or just another call out for you, right? Not always.

Sleep in heavenly peace,

If you are working or on call during the holidays, be smart and be safe. Thanks for being there and for doing your job.

Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Kwanzaa!

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com