To have Christmas early due to work commitments?

[MillyA]

I know I'm not being unreasonable by the way, but DH is.

DH works nights and is due to work nights over the xmas period, 24th through to the 27th. This means we won't be able to have a 'normal' Christmas this year.

He doesn't think he's going to be granted the time off so is planning on just not going in (I don't know if he's being serious about that as he has form for saying stupid things when he's annoyed about something)

I've sensibly suggested we have a quiet "Christmas' and 'boxing day' at home on the Sunday and Monday before Xmas as that's when he'll be off.

Whenever I've suggested this (twice) he has responded with annoyance, he doesn't want to have Christmas early because (and I quote) "what's the point" and he gets pissy with me for suggesting it.

Fortunately I'm self employed so can choose not to work over Christmas, I appreciate it must be frustrating for him that he can't.

At this stage I just want to make plans so that we can enjoy the festivities as a family regardless of his work, so doing it all early is the only sensible decision.

If he does decide to "just not go in" then that'll spoil Christmas in itself as he'll probably lose his job, and who can blame them.

Is it really so shit to have Christmas early? It's not the date that matters but being with family and having a lovely day..

As a family of shift workers he’s being unreasonable, we work around shifts and modify plans according to shifts.

This year it’s fallen that we all have Xmas day together but that’s it.

In the current circumstances a job is worth more.

My thoughts exactly foxes, it is what it is.

It makes no difference to me and the kids if we have to do it all early, if anything it's a bonus for them to get presents etc before everybody else.

Why he is being childish and stamping his feet I don't know.

I grew up with having Christmas on random days. Its just what you do when you have a family of shift workers (Father Christmas always knew what day to deliver the presents too!)

I don’t know, we’ve always done presents Christmas Eve if I’m working Xmas day.depending on the ages I’d make a lie about Santa coming early due to COVID and not getting to see everyone on the day.

Honestly as long as we had a meal together on Xmas day we we’re happy.

I remember growing up my Dad worked away a lot (on ships, so sometimes up to 6 weeks away) and we always had our own Christmas when he was home, it was rare we actually celebrated Christmas on the actual day! Christmas is what you make it, it's spending time with family and enjoying the day. Who says it actually has to be on the 25th!

Thank you for confirming the fact that many people do infact celebrate Christmas on different days, as merely suggesting that to me the fact causes DH to recoil in horror.

The thing is we're not even religious, had he been a strict Christian I could better understand his POV.

A big part of him kicking out is because he wants to have DSS come round on boxing day, but even that could be rearranged for the Sunday/Monday before as he won't be in school.

I think he's being very childish if he'd rather lose his job than celebrate on a different day.
Lots of families celebrate Christmas on different days due to work.

I agree, he's being very childish.

I don't know whether he actually means it or is just blowing hot air, but I'm not prepared to sit it out until the 24th and find out.

He spoke of last Christmas when approx 20 people were supposed to come in but only 12 or so did, apparently the fact that they didn't lose their jobs means that he won't.

He has also tried to tell me that because Christmas is classed as a public bank holiday they can't 'make him work or punish him for not working'

I work for the NHS. Like many, many people I have therefore celebrated Christmas up to several days before or after. He's being an idiot. Not worth risking his job over.

I work for the NHS so VERY used to working over Christmas BUT I dont think it's fair at all that hes working ALL of Christmas. Unless someone specifically asks we split it - some do Xmas Eve, some Xmas Day, some Boxing Day. It's not fair to have someone work every one of them