Out Of The Office

Every year Mark's company closes for the week between Christmas and New Years. This surprised us when we first found out, especially since he does not work for a small establishment and there are close to 300 employees. However, we soon discovered that it is common practice here in Australia for most companies, offices, and businesses.
At first we were a bit bothered by the fact that Mark would be forced to take vacation time. We like to use our vacation to travel (just incase you hadn't noticed) and usually avoid traveling in high season. I can't think of anything worse than traveling when the ankle-biters are loose. I much prefer hitting the road when the lil' ones are safely locked away at school. 
I have to admit that I have come to admire the general closure. Kind of like how I grew to love Sunday store closures in Spain--nothing like a day without consumerism. I think  the forced closure of work places forces some quality time amongst families and loved ones. Of course that isn't necessarily true for  single couples without children, or divorced parents who don't happen to have their children for the week they are forced to take off. However, instead of spending time with family family these people can take some time to focus on themselves. It is a time when people can completely disengage from their work place--no worries about phone calls, emergencies arising, or things that need to get done--as the whole shebang is just closed.
This year we are heading to the outback. We have rented a 4-wd in hopes of getting off the beaten path and away from the crowds. No work worries for Mark, we just have to keep our fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and that it doesn't get too hot.