Being an airline pilot has its perks, like discount travel passes, but definitely has some less enjoyable sides, but are abviously a full part of the career. When everybody is looking forward to the end of the year because of the chance to have a bit of time off and gather with family for a great dinner watching 24 hours of Christmas story, most of us are working to make sure that everyone has a good time. While passenger airlines are trying to make sure they safely bring people to their winter destination, I with my fellow freight dogs are doing our best to get every packages under their dedicated christmas tree. I am really just trying to make it sound more glamorous than what it is. Maybe if we had some reindeer painted on the side of the plane and were allow to wear red outfits I would feel better about it. Truthfully, It is not always with a smile that I look at the situation. I haven’t been able to spend Christmas with my relatives in France for a few years and I do miss it. But I am lucky enough that my girlfriend understands and deals well with my schedule. I am at least able to be home at 2 in the morning on Christmas day for 24 hours and same thing for new year day. It is not much, but I have to admit that it is better than spending it completely alone, during a layover in an hotel room. With my one day off a week, I also face the complicated organization of getting the presents on time, and as always I have waited the last minute and spent more time waiting in line to pay than to find what I was looking for. Even after all the stress, I am still in a Christmas spirit, enjoying as best as I can my holiday season.