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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think eating out on Christmas Day is selfish

320 replies

Grapefruitmelon · 27/12/2021 18:23

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.

OP posts:
Redglitter · 27/12/2021 18:32

I work for the police & my brothers a firefighter. I honestly can't remember the last time we had a family Christmas Day together. Sometimes it's Christmas Eve other times it can be the 27th or 28th

We all accept that due to the nature of our jobs well most likely be working

It really doesn't make a difference. The day we get together is the day that matters. If its not the 25th its really not the end of the world

newusername1977 · 27/12/2021 18:34

My dd and her friends work in hospitality. They love the atmosphere and the tips on Christmas and choose to work. There are enough people there who want to work Christmas that those who don't want to don't have to.

Cherrytart23 · 27/12/2021 18:34

If the pubs/restaurants/shops are closed then no one can go its the owners fault.

SarahJessicaParker1 · 27/12/2021 18:34

@ilovesooty

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.

God I'd love to go for a curry on Christmas. I'm coming with you next year Xmas Grin
PumpOutTheBilge · 27/12/2021 18:34

I think it’s selfish for anybody to work on Christmas Day. They should stand down the police, fire service, NHS staff and power station staff. It’s only one day, what could go wrong?

Bouncer500 · 27/12/2021 18:35

It supports the local economy and keeps people in jobs. Family who work in restaurants always want the Christmas shift as it pays considerably more, sometimes more than a week or 2 of normal work because of the tips. Let them get on with it and you cool your own Christmas dinner. Everyone's happy.

WildImaginings · 27/12/2021 18:36

@IsDaveThere

It doesnt force anyone to work, they can always say no.
One of the most ridiculous things I've ever read on Mumsnet.

No they cannot 'just say no'.

Jesus.

SilkLabrador · 27/12/2021 18:36

When I was a teen, Christmas Day was always double time lay so I'd have willingly worked!

Rabblesthecat · 27/12/2021 18:36

My mum, two uncles and aunt have decided next Christmas they are eating out. At 77, 78, 82 and 85 they have decided they are too old.

I live the opposite end of the country so me hosting them is not an option and DH usually has to work (essential services) so me going there is not one either.

ilovesooty · 27/12/2021 18:36

When I was employed I would have been quite happy to work on Christmas day and I think our clients would have benefited if we'd been open actually.

And as for @Grapefruitmelon 'I hear all that' - I don't think you do.

Kite22 · 27/12/2021 18:36

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

Aren't forced to at all. They have a choice

What planet are you living on ?
Very few people in minimum wage jobs are fortunate enough to have such choices.

I think YANBU OP and frequently say the same
I don't think shops as a whole should open on Boxing Day either.

Notthemessiah · 27/12/2021 18:39

It would make me uncomfortable going out to eat on Christmas Day and not knowing if everyone working was happy to be doing so (so I never would).

Looks like there are plenty of people who don’t care though.

BigYellowHat · 27/12/2021 18:40

Some people don’t even celebrate Christmas 🤷‍♀️ Why don’t we encourage everyone to not get ill so the hospitals can shut for the day? Bonkers!!

fetchacloth · 27/12/2021 18:40

Many people choose to work on Christmas Day as they get extra pay and time off. I used to work in hospitality and staff went on a waiting list to work on that day for those reasons.
I'm not flaming you OP but please don't feel guilty about it.

IsDaveThere · 27/12/2021 18:41

@WildImainings It is not one of the most ridiculous things you have ever read on Mumsnet FFS. Yes, many can say no and yes, I have worked in a restaurant before. Perhaps the ones who can't say no are working in the wrong place.

ilovesooty · 27/12/2021 18:42

@SarahJessicaParker1 you'd be very welcome.

£24.95 for starter, anything except the grill for the main course, rice, naan and dessert. It was brilliant.

I left a decent tip in cash too, to make sure that the actual waiter received it.

I even had a celebratory mocktail as I was driving,but you can bring your own alcohol.

alwayswrighty · 27/12/2021 18:42

My husband worked in hospitality for years (30+) and he has never had a Christmas off apart from this one because he's moved into the NH sector and he is working NY this year. Chefs/waitresses really have no choice. It is rubbish but it is what it is.

My family, and a lot of my friends are forces/ex forces and they have missed many a family Christmas due to work commitments. It's just part of life!

Simonjt · 27/12/2021 18:42

When I was a waiter christmas day was quadruple pay and an additional day of holiday, it was so sought after there was a rota to prevent the same people securing the slots each year.

ilovesooty · 27/12/2021 18:44

@Notthemessiah

It would make me uncomfortable going out to eat on Christmas Day and not knowing if everyone working was happy to be doing so (so I never would).

Looks like there are plenty of people who don’t care though.

Stop being so bloody pious and let people get on with what they want to do. I bet you've been out to eat at Easter or on Mothers' Day.
Confiscatedpopit · 27/12/2021 18:44

[quote IsDaveThere]@WildImainings It is not one of the most ridiculous things you have ever read on Mumsnet FFS. Yes, many can say no and yes, I have worked in a restaurant before. Perhaps the ones who can't say no are working in the wrong place.[/quote]
Sorry but as I said earlier, I have to agree. Some places you definitely cannot say no! Your name would be absolute mud!!

fetchacloth · 27/12/2021 18:45

@PumpOutTheBilge

I think it’s selfish for anybody to work on Christmas Day. They should stand down the police, fire service, NHS staff and power station staff. It’s only one day, what could go wrong?
What could go wrong on Christmas day? Well your house could catch fire, the power could be cut off unexpectedly. Or, worst possible scenario, someone in your house may need to be blue-lighted to hospital. I could think of other scenarios but I won't bore you with them.
Aderyn21 · 27/12/2021 18:46

I'm with the OP. DS had to work Christmas Day (petrol station). It's hardly essential- everyone knows when Christmas is, just buy your petrol the day before!
It moronic to compare working in non essential businesses to working in the emergency services. If people truly want to work then fine but I bet it wasn't all volunteers dishing up Christmas dinner!
If I ran a business I would do my very best not to make people work on their most important cultural or religious holiday.

notanothertakeaway · 27/12/2021 18:46

@RedRobin100

It’s the bosses that choose to open that day, not the patrons that “force” staff to work
@RedRobin100 It's chicken and egg though, isn't it? If punters chose to stay at home, then there would be no demand, therefore the boss wouldn't open on Christmas Day
ilovesooty · 27/12/2021 18:47

I bet these pious people watch TV on Christmas day, use electricity and hot water etc. Who do you think provides those things? The Christmas fairies!?

Woeismethischristmas · 27/12/2021 18:47

I work in a hotel and it’s the live in staff who work Christmas Day. It’s volunteered for as you get double time plus generous tips. Boozy staff dinner once the customers have gone home.