The days between Christmas and New Year in Sweden are what we call the “in-between days” or “mellandagarna” in Swedish.
“Are you working the in-between days?”
“Yes, because I don’t want to take vacation days.”
Why the In-Between Days Are the Best Work Days
- The Commute
The subway is so empty, you actually get a seat. No one is pressed up against you coughing, sneezing, or talking/listening to music with no headphones. It’s quite relaxing. - The Office
Your office building is a near-deserted paradise. Want to crank up your music? Go for it. Want to eat your lunch at someone else’s desk just for the thrill of it? No one’s around to stop you. Need a nap? Plop yourself down wherever you like! - The Unspoken Perks
Here’s the thing: You could bring a bottle of champagne to work during the in-between days. I’m not saying you should, but the possibility exists. The office is empty. Who’s going to stop you? HR is probably on vacation, and even if someone caught you, they’d just shrug and join you. - Zero Expectations
These days are basically a write-off. No one expects you to accomplish much, which is liberating. You could spend hours organizing your desk drawers or typing furiously on your keyboard to look busy while actually Googling vacation spots.
The Downside
The only real downside of the in-between days?
Trying to remember what day it is and whether or not you left that bottle of champagne in the office fridge.
Save Those Vacation Days
The in-between days are like a bonus holiday for those of us who didn’t want to burn through vacation time. Sure, you’re technically working, but it’s the most relaxing version of work imaginable. If every workday were like this, we’d all be happier, calmer, and possibly sipping champagne in a corner cubicle.