The holidays are all about putting work aside and getting together with family and friends. But that’s not possible without some people willing to take one for the team and keep their doors open and services available so that the majority can enjoy the holiday.

Dashing through the snow isn’t possible without gas for most drivers, and that means gas stations need to be open.

It’s pretty easy to forget a key ingredient for Christmas dinner, and it’s even easier to mess up a recipe — so it’s helpful if at least one store in the area is open.

Christmas by candlelight is less romantic when the candles are the only light source, so the power needs to be on.

Unfortunately, illnesses and medical emergencies don’t take a holiday, so the hospital doors must stay open, with medical providers and administrative staff on duty to care for patients.

And the risk of fires increases during the Christmas season, so firefighters must be on duty or on call.

First responders also remain on duty to ensure the safety and security of their communities.

Traffic on state and national highways increases over the holidays, so it’s good to know that highway patrol troopers are watching out for travelers’ safety.

The list of necessities goes on, and that means not everyone gets to take a day off for the Christmas holiday. Of course, there are the obvious ones such as doctors and emergency responders, but there are many who may go unnoticed until their services are needed. So to all of those punching the clock while others are opening gifts, we thank you.

Last year, Allstate and the National Journal included a question about working on the holidays in their 21st edition of the Heartland Monitor Poll to find out how many people have to work on the holidays.

When asked how likely is it that they will have to work on at least one of the major holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day) responses were:

• Very likely: 24 percent

• Somewhat likely: 9 percent

• Not very likely: 12 percent

• Not at all likely: 54 percent

The remaining 1 percent did not answer the question on the survey.

According to the survey results, about one-third of full-time employees expect to work during at least one holiday. There was a margin of error by about plus or minus 3.1 percent, so it’s not 100 percent accurate — but it does paint a pretty good picture of just how many people keep society’s gears turning so the rest of us can enjoy the holidays.

So to all who are continuing the daily grind while the other two-thirds of the workforce celebrate with friends and family, we thank you.

Not everyone has somewhere to go for the holidays, and spending Christmas or New Year’s Day alone might not be appealing. Some restaurants and public places within driving distance of Powell may remain open as well, providing a place for people to go and possibly make some new friends.

This is an equally important service that we are grateful to have as an option for those who would prefer to not spend Christmas alone, but also are unable to spend it with their friends and families.