How much time off at Christmas??

[jd_1984]

I am delighted this year as our company have made some operational changes which will mean we have more time off over the festive period.
I have worked every Christmas eve since 2003 and 8/10 Boxing days! This time around I am off 22nd - 27th and New Years Eve/New Years Day!!! For me this is a HUGE bonus. Does anybody have to work over Christmas and if so do you mind or is it just "part and parcel" of the job?

[Stephen_G]

I'm not currently in work. but my last job was in a sports shop and yes, I've had to work through the Christmas and New Year period. One Christmas Eve, the shop opened at 8:00 a.m. and closed at 2:00 p.m. (Great I hear you cry). We then had to spend the next six hours getting ready for the Boxing Day sale to start. The Manager got fed up at 6:30 p.m. and sent everyone home.

The only good thing about it was I was given the option to work on Boxing Day or New Years Day - I don't drink so I would take Boxing Day off and work on New Years Day instead. Yes, it was part of the job so it was expected.

[MarkRae]

I'm self-employed, so never have to think about such things... :-)

[vodkancoke]

This is my first Christmas Eve and Boxing Day off since I was 16 (I have never worked Christmas Day and I never will!).....I can't work at the mo because of my stupid dodgy ankle but I am looking forward to being at home on Christmas Eve. Enjoy your time off :)

[pizza]

I have worked as a carer for almost 16 years and we have always had a rota over Christmas and New Year to choose our preferences, I have worked most Christmas Day mornings by choice as we used to only work half days 7/2 or 2/8 on days.
It's a lovely atmosphere and nice to make it special for the people in our care.
This year however I am in a new care home and decided this year it's a full day off for me to spend with my lovely partner and family.

[tonyav]

Break up for xmas hols next Friday 14th Dec and return to work on the 3rd of Jan next year.

[RATTER15]

Just boxing day for me.

[pickoftheday]

Eleven days off. Great!

[Old_Geezer]

Not work over Xmas, never accepted a job position that needed it, but increasing expectations due to management changing requirements like it or not, means I'm supposed to be on call one day during the break.

[BlueToffee]

You lucky people, us pensioners NEVER get a day off!

[CoffeeLounge]

Until 4 years ago I always worked on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day as I ran a pub restaurant for a large chain. My only brother also worked for the same company and did the same. My kids grew up with it and did not seem to mind and they don't appear damaged by the experience.
For the last 4 years I have been self employed and not had to work on these days. My brother still runs a pub restaurant. So this year myself, my partner and my daughter will be working on Christmas Eve for him and also on Christmas Day. We have always eaten in the evening after everyone has left. The atmosphere of working is always really good and it doesn't feel like work. It does make Christmas Day a very long day. Especially when the children were young and up early.
But we will have fun.

[chaptazbru]

Enjoy your long break jd! I always finish at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and go back on 2 Jan - yay !!!

[jd_1984]

Just been asked if I am available to work Christmas Eve, 10am - 3.30pm @£24 per hour?? I was looking forward to it off BUT, its fairly easy money and doesnt conflict too much with my plans......