While most of us are tucking into turkey and dressing on Christmas, assembling new toys or heading to church, others in greater Oconee Countyland are heading to work. They're ready to rustle up scattered and smothered hash browns, help you find that comforting bottle of cough syrup or take your $50 bill after you gas up the SUV. And here's where they are:

1. Waffle House

If you need a break from all the holiday frivolities, the friendly folks at Waffle House on Epps Bridge Parkway and on Hwy. 441 will give you a hearty hello and equally hearty breakfast fare. You can get your hash browns scattered, smothered and covered, your eggs scrambled with cheese and more grits that you can shake a spoon at. And you can eat in peace and quiet. Be sure to leave a holiday-ish tip. Remember, the staff will be on their feet for hours while you're later lounging on the couch.

2. CVS

Say friends drop in late Christmas afternoon, eager to show off their infant daughter and her festive reindeer onesie. They suddenly realize they left the bag of organic cotton cloth diapers at home. Don't panic! From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., you can breeze into the CVS pharmacy and drugstore on Hog Mountain Road and load up on Pampers and Huggies galore as well as aspirin, cough syrup, tissues and anything else you might need to fight off that nasty holiday cold.

3.  Main Moon

Can't handle turkey again?  Head to Main Moon and shake up the Christmas tradition a little - have some Chinese takeout! The popular New York-style Chinese eatery is open from noon to 8 p.m. ready to stuff you more than that turkey you don't want again. Butler's Crossing Shopping Center (next to Publix). 2061 Experiment Station Road. 706-769-8686

4. Quik Trip

They don't close the cash register or shut the pumps ever. Never. As in, morning, noon and night, 24 hours a day, you'll find employees in the Quik Trip on the Oconee Connector ready to swipe your credit card for gas and ring up your assorted purchases. Sometimes, even with delicious food at home, a guy just gets a hankering for a SlimJim. Quik Trip has it - as well as an array of coffee drinks and munchables.

5. Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Come for a 10 a.m. Christmas Day eucharist and enjoy a moment of peace and reflection amid the hustle, bustle and noise. All are welcome to join in the celebration. There will be no dancing Christmas tree ornaments playing "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree."

6. Blockbuster

Make it a Blockbuster Christmas.  Stop in Blockbuster at Butler's Crossing Shopping Center on Experiment Station Road. Why not grab "It's a Wonderful Life" and settle in on your couch to enjoy your good life (hopefully with your new big screen TV from Santa!). Open noon - 10 p.m. 706-769-2766. 

7.  Vision Video

Vision Video fan? Get your holiday flicks here - available all afternoon on Christmas day. Get several. Better to cuddle up for a good movie than clean up wrapping paper! They're open noon - 8 p.m. at 1021 Jamestown Road, Watkinsville. 706-769-1778.

8. Oconee FoodMart

If you're heading to Athens and need to gas up, you can stop at this convenient gas station and food store at 8851 Macon Highway. Don't worry about running out of Coca-Cola products, they have plenty.

9. Beechwood Cinemas

So you're full as a tick. You can hardly move. The wrapping paper is scattered hither, thither and yon. The presents are teetering in stacks. It may be just be the right time to take in a flick. Beechwood Cinemas will start showing movies at 3 p.m. and continue into the evening. Heck, stay for two.

10. UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital

What happens if Fido and Fluff get tangled in the tree lights and pull the Christmas tree over and get.....well, if disaster strikes, you can take your pets to the University of Georgia's teaching hospital for treatment. The dedicated professionals will tenderly care for your animals and get them back in shape in no time.

11. Athens Regional Medical Center

The Regional First Care facility in Watkinsville is closed on Christmas Day, but of course, the large hospital in Athens on Prince Ave. is open. Let's hope neither you nor your loved ones have to be in the hospital, but if that situation does arise, the hospital's compassionate staff will provide excellent care. 

12. Oconee County Sheriff's Office

If an emergency arises, you can call Oconee's finest, day or night. They are happy to serve you and keep you, your property and your family safe.

13. Oconee County Fire Department

Whether your guest fears he's having a heart attack, or your outdoor Christmas display catches fire, the men and women of the Oconee County Fire Department are ready to respond. Dedicated volunteers from across the county will answer a call for help. Be sure to thank them with a glass of Egg Nog.