We chat to the holiday heroes that dedicate their time on December 25 to ensure other’s days are filled with joy.
Who? Caroline Maytom
Job: Midwife at the Sydney Adventist Hospital
The only present Caroline Maytom will be receiving on Christmas Day will be the delight she sees in mother’s eyes as they deliver their babies at the Sydney Adventist
Hospital (SAN).
Caroline is a midwife, working between the delivery suite and the postnatal ward. On a given day in the maternity ward up to six babies will be born, Caroline will usually play a role in the delivery of one of
these babies.
As she is yet to have children of her own, she chose to work on Christmas Day this year to let the midwives with children spend it at home. However the prospect of working at this special time of year doesn’t seem to faze her.
“It’s a good environment to work in, the Christmas decorations are up and everyone’s in a happy mood, so you feel like you’re still celebrating Christmas.”
Fortunately she won’t miss out on all of her favourite Christmas treats either.
“At work everyone makes sure you have a nice Christmas lunch together,” explains Caroline. Plus she says she will make it home in time for Christmas dinner with her family – so she won’t have to go without her ham and fresh mango.
Congratulations to the mothers that deliver Christmas babies this year!
Who? Tim Donkin
Job: Beach services coordinator at Warringah Council
Although he misses his family on Christmas Day, beach services coordinator, Tim Donkin concedes there are a lot worse ways to spend Christmas than on the beach, even if this does involve working.
Tim coordinates the lifeguards on the nine beaches from Freshwater to North Narrabeen. He’ll spend Christmas Day moving between these beaches, ensuring beachgoers are safe. According to Tim it’s an enjoyable day to work because there’s an upbeat vibe at the beach.
“The mood of the people coming to the beach is a lot different. Everyone’s in a fantastic mood, there’s plenty of love on the beach,” says Tim.
If the weather is hot, Christmas Day is one of the busiest beach days of the year. Tim sees lots of families head down to the beach with a tent and spend the whole day there, while locals might just pop down for a quick 30-minute swim before heading home for lunch.
While he will be working from 9am to 6pm, he won’t miss out on all of the Christmas festivities. His family will visit him at the beach for a quick lunch break, although he’ll keep his radio on him at all times!
Who? Raseena Ambali
Job: Care staff at Kari Court
Christmas Day will be a special time of year at the Kari Court dementia home in St Ives, and Raseena Ambali is happy to be one of eight staff looking after the residents at the care facility on this day.
“I like working Christmas Day as it’s a chance to make the residents happy,” says Raseena. The day will begin with present-giving all around. The managers, as well as family members will organise presents for everyone at Kari Court, which they open together after breakfast. Raseena says perfume and cosmetics are always favourites
amongst residents.
Gift giving will be followed by a traditional Christmas lunch with all of the trimmings – turkey and Christmas pudding are just a few of the items on the menu.
As she is Muslim herself, Raseena says she does not miss celebrating Christmas at home, and will instead have a family dinner after finishing work in the mid-afternoon.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone at Kari Court!
