To think that working Christmas 'for show' is ridiculous?

[blackcats76]

I work in retail, but the division of the company that I work in shuts down over Christmas meaning that there is no work to be completed and you have to essentially make up things to do. Despite this, I've been told I have to come in 'for show' on the 24th and 27th - not sure for who, because, of course, all the directors and managers will be off all of Christmas! AIBU to complain about this?

OP the bigger problem is that you are being discriminated against for not having kids.

I had a slight disagreement with my dad last night when he said that Christmas is just for children . I told him that..............no its for everyone. Its more special and magical for children yes but its for everyone (everyone who wants to partake) Its the kind of thinking that its only for kids that leads to shit like this.

YANBU OP. What pointless bullshit.

I have worked Christmas in the past, and I can't say it would have been better for me if I'd known that some office worker had been dragged in to sit there with nothing to do, 'for show'. Even though I would rather have been home with my family, at least there was a reason I needed to be there.

If anyone reading this has to work over Christmas, and feels better about it because someone else is pointlessly wasting time in an office for show, get a grip and grow up.

I'd be inclined to ring in sick tbh.

Make the point this year that it's not fair people with kids get priority. In fact, the two days should be split between you and another person.

OP from your first post I thought that YANBU and I say that as someone who is 99.9% certain to be working Christmas day and Boxing day.

Now that you've updated that you're being expected to work them because colleagues have children I'm even more certain that YANBU. It's ridiculous that you're expected to work just "for show" especially as the bosses are not leading by example. It's just wrong that you're being discriminated against because you don't have children.

When people post that their child is ill, people don't pounce on them because "at least they are alive!"

Some do actually.

I get what you mean op even if others don't understand. Seems pointless to come in with no work to do. Make it a 'break day' from entertaining family, and watch films all day. That's all I'd do.