If you are working over the festive period, what do you do?

[No17CherryTreeLane]

This is my first year of not working over the holidays due to taking early retirement as a band 8 nurse.
I want to take this opportunity to thank anyone working tonight and tomorrow! 💐 🍫 🍷

this is one of my first not working due to a career change, but used to work the Christmas evening shift and early morning Boxing Day as an engineer for an online retailer. Vital stuff 😂but used to quite enjoy it tbh and was happy to take the shift off others.

Did my last shift on Sunday and am back in Boxing Day for an 8-4 bleep shift in Paeds and 4-10pm in A&E! Working the 27th and then have the weekend off then 5/7 days the week after.

Airline pilot. I have this year off, first time in 3 years. I just fly holiday flights, there’s no urgent need for people to be flying. Every year I look to see how many of our managers are flying. In 26 years I’ve been disappointed every year. 🙄

I take my hat off to all those carrying out truly essential tasks such as healthcare and emergency services. It’s a tough gig, but some of us have to work, so thank you to those who do it cheerfully.

Waitress. Working 25th through til 3am on NYE.

What about people who want to be with loved ones at Christmas but can't go before Christmas?
It's like any job if you don't want to work it , work elsewhere.

Midwife, but in my role I’ve got the BHs off. However this is a double edged sword as I then have everything to catch up on.

What about people who want to be with loved ones at Christmas

Like the cabin crew, ground crew and pilots?

I think the biggest gripe with it is that they're not getting any extra and they're expected to work when management are all at home enjoying their family christmas, and it's not essential.

Thing is a lot of people are going off and working elsewhere, not just where airlines are concerned but in hospitality, retail and other services that treat their staff like a necessary evil rather than the driving force of their business and the ones who will keep customers wanting to come back. And people wonder why service levels have declined - that's what happens when people are treated badly and have no reason to invest in the company they work for, they leave, or they stop caring. There isn't an endless supply of serfs willing to serve for the honour of it.

Not working this year but previously worked as security/control room operations in a national museum.

Hi @luckydin. DH and DD are also Funeral Directors and are on call between them until Friday night. Wishing you and them a peaceful time.

I’ll be in the studio preparing for a workshop I’m teaching on the 26th. December is so busy that I’ve not had time to get ready and it’s a mess.

If there was no demand for flights on Christmas day, there would be no flights!

I blame both the passengers and the airlines.

No one NEEDS to fly on Christmas day. It's a non essential luxury.

This thread has made me think about all the people who will be joining @Rabinroo working at the airports this Christmas. Can think of at least security, passport, immigration, cleaners, caterers, baggage handlers, customs, ground staff, engineers , atc. etc There must be many more I've not thought of. Retail; shops, duty free, cafes etc are presumably open? Or not?

Solidarity here. Nightshift as a nurse into Xmas day... Now! Merry Christmas!
Have Xmas and new year on my rota this year. The fun! Planning a wee nip before I go to bed this morning cos I am off tonight. Again I don't mind working Xmas day generally it's very busy but this is my first Xmas Nightshift and we are being nice to each other because of it. Lots of chocolates and fizzy juice!

@Redglitter same! Are we on the same team/shift/force 😂
Hoping for an uneventful time 🤞🏼

Family of vet and vet nurse in animal hospital open 24/7.

Reminder - keep that chocolate, mince pies and meat bones away from your pets!!

DH works in a West End show. This year he's got Xmas day AND Boxing day off. Not a particulary important or necessary job I know. But still a busy time of year.

Another nurse.
I work as a community nurse, night shift. I’m working Christmas Day night. Mainly delivering palliative care in people’s homes.
Theres no other job I’d be away from my family for than this one.
Peace and love to all.

Midwife - I’m working Christmas Day, 27th, 28th, 29th, New Years Eve and New Years Day. My shifts are particularly rubbish over the next few weeks!

Yes, all open too unfortunately.

Midwife, working day shift Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve and also on call. Not seen any wise men or shepherds but it’s a clear, starry sky. I can see the constellations of Gemini, Orion and Taurus.

Started work at 10am and finished 7pm. On call now and will be working through until 8am Christmas Day because we are so busy. No lie. No sleep. Work for the police but not an officer.

I'm Polics Scotland

Let's hope so. We've got breakfast & Secret Santa to fit in 🎅

Paramedic, working tonight then off till Saturday. This will be my last working Christmas as I'm taking early retirement next year, and I can't wait!

Thank you all for doing an incredible job 👏

DCs are very excited but our past Christmases being a bit topsy-turvy was all they've ever known (DH is a NHS consultant) as we juggled these shifts between us.
But we did not work alone. Every shift over the festive season was covered by our teams of amazing, selfless colleagues who made our job that bit easier by being cheerful and fun.
(I miss them and raise a glass or three to my dear colleagues who are rota'd in tonight!🍷 )
We are very much looking forward to it (though DH on call).
Downside is my body clock is still in work mode, hence being up at silly o'clock 🤪

Wishing each and everyone one of you a very Merry Christmas - may your shift be an uneventful and peaceful one!

Just sending thanks and merry Christmas wishes to all those working today and over the new year.