To think eating out on Christmas Day is selfish

[Grapefruitmelon]

I know that there will be people who say they appreciate the extra money and tips and not everyone celebrates Christmas and not everyone has a family to spend it with and I hear all that.

But just the same, it does force some people to come to work who’d rather not.

How does it force people to go to work? People know when they get a job in a pub or restaurant they will be working over Christmas.

In that case you should probably reword your OP

"AIBU to think restaurant bosses who force staff to work on Christmas Day are selfish?"

It doesnt force anyone to work, they can always say no.

OP Christmas is one day, if it is THAT important work in a sector that doesn't involve working on Christmas. I really don't understand the hysteria around working Christmas, most people don't even celebrate the religious side and can easily replicate the presents and food on a different day.

Yeah I've always thought it a bit odd having people waiting on me on Christmas day

I take it you've never chosen to work Christmas so assume everyone is the same as you. I don't work in hospitality but often have to work Christmas and/or New Year - I've always loved it. Great atmosphere in work. Extra pay.
But you're either someone who likes working irregular hours and days, or you're not. Since you're not then you won't 'get' it but you shouldn't try to police the people who do.

As one of the many who works (care) at Christmas and my husband works (rail). Amazing how so many other faiths manage to celebrate festivals around commitments without it being some angst fest.

It’s the bosses that choose to open that day, not the patrons that “force” staff to work

I have to work Christmas Day for an airline and I don’t get any additional tips or anything just idiots playing up. I’ve eaten out on Christmas Day before and always tipped but they Aren’t forced too at all. They have a choice

Maybe we should close down the hospitals, NHS11, the Fire Service, Police etc as well - after all I'm sure they would like to spend time with their families.

The reality is that if you take a job in hospitality there is a chance you are going to have to work.

I really appreciated those people who worked on Xmas Day so that I could spend the day away from home visiting loved ones.

Nope. Totally disagree.

Can they fuck just say no! Doubt you ever have worked in a restaurant if you think that’s true.

Maybe they want to work?

Pubs and restaurants don’t have to open if they don’t want to and it’s just part of certain jobs

Ive worked in hospitality and you often get to choose nye or xmas

but I think supermarkets should be closed for two days, that actually seems to be happening now with many supermarkets - its just not needed that they'd be open on Boxing Day

OP, do you ensure that you never book a restaurant on any festival day of other religions?

I presume not. Like you say, lots of people don't celebrate Christmas for various reasons.

I imagine most restaurants are desperate to make money, after the disruption over the past couple of years ,plus there is some uncertainty about what will happen in the new year with restrictions etc
I was a nurse for many years ,and have worked loads of Xmas days ,so I'm always a bit meh ,about people complaining of having to work Xmas .

Both our teens were working. It wasn’t fun, dd said some people were so rude to the staff! She said she hated it. Every single member of staff were working (hospitality)

Some people forget that it’s the workers Christmas Day too.

I’d never go out for dinner on Christmas Day I do think it’s pretty selfish to go to a restaurant. Fair enough essential key workers need to work but going out for dinner isn’t essential on Christmas Day.

I work in hospitality and I deliberately choose working in places which don't open on Christmas day. I don't know anyone who truly enjoys working on the day tbh. My family are mainly medical though, so we're used to people working Christmas.

I don't think it's selfish to eat out on Christmas day though. No more than choosing to eat out any other time. But I don't think staff especially love it either.

I reckon the staff and management in my local curry house were happy enough to get plenty of custom for 6 hours (2-8) to help to make up for the months they had to close.

I'm on my own and I felt no compunction about going out to eat. I shall probably do it again next year.

I bet the OP has a nice traditional family Christmas table.

@gukvguk

Do fuck off dear.

Random…

My relative used to manage a restaurant and it was one of their biggest days of the year for profits and tips for staff. They were happy to open as the takings were worth it.

It’s rubbish working on Christmas Day yes for many - but as you say, not everyone celebrates it, some people find it quite a painful day for personal reasons and may choose to keep busy at work - and some families nominate another day to be their ‘Christmas’ if family members are working - that’s not just in hospitality of course, but medicine, carework etc.

Personally I don’t like to go out for Xmas dinners - mainly because it’s expensive, but that’s my choice and I respect others may have other preferences.

A friend of mine is NHS and volunteers to work Christmas day every year. She's Jewish so prefers to have Channukah or jewish New Year off instead.