Graeme’s Column

The recent publication of Baroness Halkett’s report into how governments across these islands responded to the Covid-19 pandemic has stirred memories many of us would prefer to leave in the past – including those strange days at the end of 2020 when a sudden surge in cases tore Christmas plans apart.

Like so many Scottish households, our family had to rethink things at speed. In the end we sat down to Christmas lunch with two grannies “joining us” via iPads propped up at opposite ends of the table. We were grateful to be able to see them at all, but looking back it was an unusual way to spend a Christmas Day.

Of course, for many families, having someone missing from the table on the big day isn’t unusual at all.

In some homes the turkey goes in early because a family member is on a shift. In others the festivities start late because someone’s coming off one. And for some, Christmas comes in snatches – a cuppa grabbed between tasks or a quick message home before the next call.

That’s the reality for families with loved ones in our emergency, health and armed services. People whose working lives don’t pause just because the rest of the country has slowed down.

And for volunteers with organisations like the RNLI or Mountain Rescue, being “on standby” may not mean leaving the house, but it still means a curtailment of festivities just in case.

This year, our own household will be in that position, with one of us away for most of the festivities, though thankfully home before the day is out.

Even that small absence has been a reminder of the point I’ve made in previous festive columns – that while many of us look forward to a break, others spend the day doing jobs that keep the rest of us safe and supported.

And it isn’t only frontline services across the festive period. Countless others in hospitality, retail, transport and energy keep the country moving while most of us take a breath.

And let’s not forget those volunteers in churches and community groups who make sure those spending Christmas alone are seen and supported and that charities providing food, shelter and crisis assistance often face their busiest days of the year over the festive holidays.

So as Christmas approaches, it feels right to take a moment to recognise those who keep things going while the rest of us gather at home.

Most of us will enjoy the comfort of Christmas. Some will be the reason others can.

We owe a debt of gratitude to these folk.