text: Nicholas has been having an absolutely horrible year. When he received word that he would have a promotion at his marketing consulting firm, he thought it would be phenomenal. He would have a bigger paycheck, he would have assistants, and he could set his own hours. Those hopes would not last. Expectations were high on him to deliver not just in terms of work but in terms of personality. Clients would love the work that they did, but they would cut out the consultant anyway because something in the budget needs to go. Nicholas has to constantly be attending lunches and work functions to make sure the client at least likes them. He also has to compete with other consultants for the same job. To top it off, his underlings hate him for telling them they need to work overtime or that their work is not to the clients liking. People say don't shoot the messenger, but the bullet holes in Nicholas's suit say otherwise. It is a few days before Christmas, and a restaurant has tasked them to prepare new marketing ideas for next Valentine's Day. Nicholas sits in his office reviewing work when he hears a knock on the door. "Come in," he says. "Excuse me. I was wondering if I could head out early tomorrow. I got my work done, and I would like to spend Christmas with my family," Kelly, a new-hire, says. Nicholas opens her file and looks it over. "I am sorry, but I think you are going to redo parts of this. I will send you a more detailed draft tomorrow, but for now, why don't you go re-look at it," he says. Kelly's face drops as she walks out the door. Nicholas looks out of his door and sees every employee shares her disposition. Nicholas hates it here too, but they have to do it. His cellphone rings. The name reads Jim Ross, an old college friend. Why would he be calling? "Hello, Jim what is going on?" Nicholas says. "Oh not much, I figured we have not spoken in a while, and it is Christmas," Jim says. "That is very nice of you, but I am busy right now," Nicholas says. "Really, it is eight at night, a few days before Christmas. Why are you working?" Jim asks. "That is the job. Besides, I am not alone. Other employees are here," Nicholas says. "They must be miserable. I know I would," Jim says. His words sting Nicholas, even though Nick had the same thought earlier. "Yes, well, we all do what we must. Bye, Jim," Nicholas hangs up before Jim can react. He gets back to work marking up Kelly's paper when his phone rings again. It says Mom. "Hi, Mom," he says. "Merry Christmas," his mom sings into the line. "Mom, can I call you back please? I am busy," he says. "Busy, son, you should be off work and enjoying the holidays," she says. "I know, but I need to get things done." "I remember you used to love Christmas as a kid. You took charge of overseeing how we decorated the house. I guess that carried over to adulthood. Will we at least be able to see you on Christmas Day?" she asks with a tinge of sorrow. Nicholas takes a deep breath. "Honestly, probably not, sorry Mom," he says. "Oh," Nicholas can almost hear the tears start to fall, "Well, I love you and Merry Christmas." "Love you to Mom," Nicholas hangs up the phone to get back to work when the phone rings again. "What?!" Nicholas yells into the phone. "Woah, sorry man for calling, is this a bad time?" an apologetic man says on the other end. Nicholas pulls the phone away to see it is Mark. He used to play basketball with Mark before the promotion. "Heyyy, Mark, no, just busy. Sorry for yelling. What is happening," Nicholas stands up and a smile starts to form. "Not much, I know it is last-minute, but my boyfriend and I are throwing a Christmas party tomorrow. I know it is last-minute, but you haven't been to the courts recently so I couldn't tell you," Mark says. "Boyfriend?" Nicholas's smile starts to fade. "Oh right, remember David that cute guy in the park I was telling you about. I asked him out, and we are together now. Wow, it really has been a while since we talked," Mark says. "That sounds wonderful. I am sure he is awesome," Nicholas looks back at his computer, "I would love to meet him, but I am busy these next few days. I am sorry." "No worries. We should do lunch later," Mark says. "That sounds great. I will text you when I am free," Nicholas hangs up the phone and checks his calendar. His days are all booked up. He may never see his friend in a while. His phone rings again one more time. "Hi, Nicholas, where are you," a woman's voice that Nicholas knows well asks. "Joanne, my god, I am so sorry," he gets back in his seat to apologize to his girlfriend, "Things at work got out of hand, and I forgot about dinner. "That seems to happen a lot recently," her venom slips through the phone. "I know I have been a jerk. I will make it up to you. I promise," he rubs his temples. "You keep saying that, but I don't think that means anything anymore," she goes straight for the jugular. "You are right. I am sorry. I have been a bad boyfriend. I will do right by you," Nicholas says. "We'll see won't we. Merry Christmas," she says. "Merry Christmas," he replies. Nicholas looks back at his call-log. His new salary and hours were supposed to make life better. All he has done is fall out of touch with friends and family. He starts to analyze Kelly's work again, but he realizes that he is making her do the same. When he glances at her desk, he sees that she is just as miserable as he is typing away. Nicholas closes the document and logs out of the computer. He jumps out of his desk, and with a spring in his step, he goes to the open-floor office where his underlings sit. "You know what? It is Christmas. Go home and spend time with your families. We will finish the work before New Years, but for now, be happy," every head in the room looks up and brightens. Papers are shuffled, and computers are turned off. "Thank you so much sir," Kelly says as she walks out of the office, "Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas to you," Nicholas walks out of the building and calls up Mark. He tells him that he will be at the party tomorrow, and he can't wait to meet David. He texts Joanne about the party, and she ecstatically replies that she wants to go. On the way to his apartment, he picks up a bouquet of roses to give to her tomorrow. When he reaches his apartment, he calls his mom and tells her that he will be home for Christmas this year. She tells him how wonderful that is, and she looks forward to seeing him again. When he reaches his apartment, he collapses on the couch and dials the number that started it all. "Hey Jim, I am sorry I was so curt earlier. Why don't you tell me what you have been up to and Merry Christmas.