Many people have started planning for the New Year break, which is only two weeks away. This year the excitement is due to the calendar that shows Wednesday, Jan 1, 2020 will be an official holiday on the occasion of the New Year. But that is not all - because Thursday, Jan 2, will be a day of rest since it falls between two holidays (Jan 1 and Friday, Jan 3). However, this requires a decision from the Cabinet. The fourth day, Saturday, Jan 4 is a day of rest for all workers in the government sector and some in the private sector.

Holiday is a word with a magic effect for those who wait for it from time to time to break the state of boredom and get rid of daily responsibilities and routines. It serves to recharge one's energy away from the stress and to enjoy and relax, which has a great impact on the psychological, mental and physical health of humans.

So, this is going to be a long break and I support all those who will be traveling during this period, although this is the high season for travel agencies and usually tickets are pricier and airports crowded. But this is the season of joy and it's an exceptional time for friends and families to get together and share gifts, smiles and good times. The weather is also beautiful - cold with a nice breeze in most spots. It's snowing too, except we never tend to see this here.

Some employees cannot stop working for several days, such as energy workers and cleaners, as well as workers in shops and markets, as it is also a good season for sales and people will not stop buying and eating. In fact, it will increase sales, as the long leave whets the appetite.

I think there is a culture that we need to change, which is taking leave before official holidays. Some take the opportunity to stop working on the pretext that the system has stopped or take permission for routine leave before the holiday begins. The matter is simple, because it is possible for every supervisor to prevent approving regular leave before the start of official holidays except for necessity, because this interruption of several days will not affect the employee, but is likely to disrupt the interests of people.

For those who will not be traveling, I think the most important part of the break is evaluating the past and resetting priorities for the future. Also, the holiday is not an opportunity to only sleep and eat. Enjoy the coming New Year and try to forget the pains and losses of last year.

By Muna Al-Fuzai
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