The bus driver Mona Burås Dieng has introduced a new tradition at the bus depot in Kungälv. She buys Christmas presents and prepares Christmas breakfast for her 70 colleagues.
– It’s not the gucci bag you need, sometimes it’s enough to get a small biscuit chocolate from a totally unexpected person.
At the depot in Kungälv, no one needs to worry about going without a Christmas present this year. Again. It’s the fourth year in a row that the bus driver Mona has arranged claps for everyone at work. She covers the cost herself. She has given gifts such as lottery tickets, key rings and this year it’s small elves that apply.
– It’s just a really small thing. It doesn’t cost more than maybe 10-20 bucks, but it’s a greeting to say “Hi, this year has meant a lot to me because we’ve been colleagues and thank you for your help”.
The bus drivers were also invited to a Christmas breakfast at the depot earlier this week with Christmas music, decorations and good food. Mona’s boss was then responsible for the costs and she herself was responsible for the home-baked cookies.
– I had baked during the night and decorated. When it was four in the morning, I turned off all the lights and lit candles for the first drivers to come in. It was really cozy.
“Love driving the bus”
Just two days before Christmas Eve 1999, Mona’s husband, and father of their two children, passed away in an accident and since then she has found that Christmas has felt a little heavy. This Christmas, when her children are in Norway and Australia respectively, she feels that she can work instead of those who actually have children and loved ones nearby.
– I love driving the bus and think I benefit myself more there than sitting at home. It is a completely different joy among people during Christmas that really stands out.
She will also bring small gifts and pieces of candy with her on the bus during the Christmas holiday to be able to give away to some who feel a little extra lonely.
Dare to spread love
Spreading love and joy is the big reason why Mona is giving away her 70 pats. Dare to tell your fellow human beings what they mean to you.
– The smiles and hugs from the colleagues are priceless. It is important to take care of each other.
She also wants to emphasize how it should be obvious for all people to want to spread light and warmth around them.
– It’s sad that you get so much attention for being a fellow human being. That you dare to be positive and have a smile for the world when it should really be the most obvious thing for everyone.