December 2005
Christmas at
the Airport
Christmas
comes but once a year. We should be
thankful for that! Before you get the
idea you're reading the ramblings of a
Grinch, let me get into it. I love the
spirit of Christmas, the goodwill toward
each other we are supposed to feel, and
the peace that I do indeed enjoy. But
spending it with family is a tradition
that, quite frankly is overrated.
Christmas or any of the other holidays
for that matter. For some, it's an
absolute disaster.
Because
it's something our society has held on to
for generations, we carry it on, in spite
of the inconveniences and hassles that
are inevitable. Many movies owe their
success to scenarios like this: Christmas
is at Grandma's house in Winnipeg. The
entire family, spread out from Ottawa to
Vancouver is flying home. There will be
six more adults and all the grandchildren
staying in the little two bedroom house
for three full days. Grandma has the
carpets cleaned, airs out the cellar,
assembles all the bedding they own, while
Grandpa puts up the tree and stocks the
liquor cabinet. The tension mounts.
Meanwhile, one sister-in-law dreads
contact with another, while brother Earl,
will predictably drink himself into a
stupor, upsetting everyone. Old skeletons
will come out of the closet. More
tension. The kids will fight over each
others new toys, and the neighbors dog
will discover his Christmas dinner served
on the back porch when Grandma puts the
turkey outside to stay cold!
Have you
seen that movie? Ever seen it happen
closer to home, as in your own family?
Many have. By the way, statistics show
that more murders occur in December than
at any other time of the year except July
and August. I contend that's because
families who don't see each other a lot,
get together at Christmas, then suddenly
realize they don't like getting together.
Then, the fights are on!
A few years
ago, while I was working at Vancouver
International Airport, we witnessed
several hundred families who avoided
situations like that. Here's how they did
it. They spent their entire holiday at
the airport. Vancouver was totally
isolated by a snowstorm that year.
Nothing was moving from Christmas eve
until Dec. 27 in or out of YVR. Besides
that, the only route through the
mountains and out of Vancouver by road,
was also closed by snowslides for 3 days.

The
airlines staff in the terminal building
did what they could to help out the
stranded travelers, including
distributing air mattresses for sleeping.
Passengers from points other than
Vancouver who were connecting to fly
elsewhere, couldn't even get a cab and go
home. Thus trapped, most had their
luggage checked, and who knew where it
ended up. They were separated from their
razors, their underwear, their
medications, for 2 days or more. Infants
formulas and baby foods were packed in
lost luggage, and at that time, there was
no pharmacy or food store at the
terminal. Volunteers risked driving
slippery, slushy streets to go out and
buy provisions for these unfortunate
travelers. Some staff members even
invited whole families into their homes
for Christmas dinner. Lifetime
friendships were undoubtedly spawned
during that time.
We
witnessed and experienced the true spirit
of Christmas that year. No question,
everyone was inconvenienced, and it
crossed my mind that we could have made a
fortune by renting out our shower room.
But there were countless examples of
sharing and goodwill, and the entire
terminal seemed to be at real peace that
Christmas Eve. There was no bickering,
fighting or drinking. There were however,
several decorated trees, lights, and even
a Santa.
Someone
should have made a movie about it. Come
to think of it, that's been done too.
Given the
traditions that live on in families, and
the fact that many holidays are a time we
dread, I wonder why folks don't change
their habits and expectations. Grandma's
house may not be the best place for the
entire family anymore. Obviously not
every family is this dysfunctional, but
you shake your head at those that
recreate stressful situations every
holiday.
The folks
stranded at the airport were forced to
function outside their traditions, had no
choice but to make the best of their
holiday. It was different. Although they
were disappointed and uncomfortable, most
don't remember what presents they
received. But no one who will forget that
Christmas at the airport.'
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