This Christmas season, spare a thought for those in retail, hospitality and medical fields who have to work through the holidays.

It is often very hard to arrange Christmas plans around work and family time.

Seventeen-year-old Medowie resident Maddison Watson has been working every Christmas and New Year’s Day since she turned 14.

Moving from McDonald’s to BP Salt Ash, she has relied on her family members to leave family gatherings to drop her off and pick her up for work every public holiday.

Maddison told News Of The Area, “Cleaning toilets and changing public garbage bins is not what most people do on their Christmas Day, but it is the reality of being a retail worker.”

“Every year, I have had to rely on my mum to leave family lunch to retrieve me from work, greatly restricting her plans for the day.”

Maddison is one of many workers who will spend their holidays serving the community.

“Everyone just has to work as a team and accept shifts that best suit their day.”

“This is just something that is expected from us, with the pay merely an advantage.”

Very few businesses stay open on Christmas Day. Those that do include selected petrol stations, McDonald’s and a few clubs and restaurants.

“For those people who will be travelling and going out on Christmas day, please remember to be kind to those who serve you and appreciate what they are doing for the community,” Maddison said.

By Simone JOHNSON