DH has to work on Christmas Day....soooo upset

[proserpine]

DH was made redundant last year and has applied for everything going. A few weeks ago he was offered a job which sounded perfect, to our utter relief. He started on Monday and in his first training session it was casually mentioned that the office was open on Christmas Day and he would have to come in - they treat it like any other day. I know we should just stop moaning and be grateful he has a job when so many don't but this is such a blow.... For years, I hated Christmas due to bad memories, having no family etc. But spending the day with DH and DD had made it special and it's the biggest day of our year - we don't go on holiday or have any other 'big things' through the year - can't afford them - so a special family Christmas is what we look forward to all year. I usually start planning/buying about now, but this year I can't. DD is devastated too.
He's even got to pay £40 for taxis on the day.... Sorry for the rant, and for sounding so ungrateful. Just needed to vent :(

You don't have to read every single comment but surely make the effort to at least read all the OPs comments, easy now that they can be highlighted.

I think that sounds like a great idea :)

I didn't know they could be highlighted. Can you do that on an iPhone?

Good for you OP - hope you have a great Christmas!

perplexedpirate, yes, in your customisation/settings on your profile. I have the OP posts in green & i only MN from my phone.

I think asking for the day off is ok, it might also worth mentioning that he is a practicing Christian (many work places will prioritise holiday requests that fall on religious holidays for people who follow that religion). However, he should be clear that he understands it's a long shot to get it approved. He might also find that while it's a 'normal working day' the reality is that it's not and they will be allowed to leave early or 'work from home' for part of the day (checking e-mails now and then).

If not, your plan 'B' sounds great.

And as it's the 'newbies' who have to work it, it's unlikely he will have to work Christmas next year, particularly if he's happy to volunteer to do New Year's eve/day every year. (looking for the positive)

Thanks rilla.
sorry about that folks.

no probs.

i always make a point of looking for the op's latest posts before replying, even if i don't read the rest of the thread.

I know things don't always translate across the water (I am in Ireland), but don't you have a bank holiday on Christmas Day there too (and Boxing Day), so that if you do have to work, you get a (paid) day off in lieu within a reasonable period (I think it's supposed to be one month) for any BH that you work? As well as your normal days off and annual leave entitlements?

But it does sound like you are more reconciled to the reality that he may have to work part of the day. And you can still have some time out as a family over the season I'm sure.