# Working on Christmas Eve sucks. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 24, 2003, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872 "2003-12-24T17:36:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/1 "2003-12-24T17:36:47Z")
I lurched out of bed this morning thinking all the while, “Fuck, it’s Christmas Eve, I should be asleep untill 10 or so, then getting online to level up my pally on US West, or maybe get on US East with my newbazon and try to convince some Dopers to help my sorry ass out.” On the other hand, I’m the only one here today so I brought a radio and some CDs. Most of our customers are other businesses, most of whom have this week off, so I’m bored stiff. Blah. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/2 "2003-12-24T17:41:38Z")
I’m working tonight also. I once spent a holiday in the hospital. It was no fun. Now I work at the hospital, so I can relate to being stuck there. I’m hoping to do a small part to make the day pass more pleasantly for those who can’t go home. I’m also making a fabulous chocolate-cinnamin cake to share. ---
**Author:** ![5que](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/3bc359/32.png) [@5que](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5que)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/3 "2003-12-24T17:43:58Z")
Preach it, my brother. We have to work until 2:00, although we can start our floor Holiday party (i.e., drinking) at noon. However, you cannot go home before 2:00. Being smashed seems to be okay as long as you are near your desk. AND, no one can leave until 2:00 regardless of what time they start work. I start an hour earlier than most of the rest of the firm, so I get to enjoy an extra hour of work (but no extra hour of drinking). And it’s my birthday tomorrow. That sucks too. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/4 "2003-12-24T17:48:26Z")
I am working Crimbo eve, Crimbo, and Boxing day. I can’t be arsed to elaborate. ---
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/5 "2003-12-24T17:58:15Z")
Well, Lobsang, I wouldn’t want to arse you… 😕 Ca3799, I don’t suppose you could FedEx me some of that cake? I hope somewhere around here is open for lunch. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/6 "2003-12-24T18:27:33Z")
I’m a-workin’ too. Can’t really complain though, I’m working from home (yay mobility!), there’s nothing to do so I’m watching SNL on Comedy Central, and my SO is also working, so I wouldn’t be doing anything good anyway. In an hour and a half, though, I’m getting the hell out of Dodge and starting my Christmas weekend. Merry Christmas everybody! ---
**Author:** ![dragongirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/7 "2003-12-24T18:38:13Z")
My husband is at work. I agree it sucks, but they tried to make it nice for the guys. They set up a little buffet in the garage. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/8 "2003-12-24T18:40:46Z")
Wish I could, but you’ld just ask for more (it’s sooo good). ---
**Author:** ![ouisey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9fc29f/32.png) [@ouisey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouisey)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/9 "2003-12-24T18:41:48Z")
Well, we’re “working” here. Which consists of running around the office, chatting to co-workers and posting to message boards. No one here actually works on Christmas Eve. ---
**Author:** ![spogga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@spogga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spogga)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/10 "2003-12-24T18:42:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by 5que \* > \*\*Preach it, my brother. > > We have to work until 2:00, although we can start our floor Holiday party (i.e., drinking) at noon. However, you cannot go home before 2:00. Being smashed seems to be okay as long as you are near your desk. > > AND, no one can leave until 2:00 regardless of what time they start work. I start an hour earlier than most of the rest of the firm, so I get to enjoy an extra hour of work (but no extra hour of drinking). > > And it’s my birthday tomorrow. That sucks too. \*\* Your birthday TOMORROW! You couldn’t by any chance be the 2nd…nah forget it. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/11 "2003-12-24T18:52:54Z")
I once worked a double shift on Christmas _Day_. And I volunteered for it. Long story. (It was for a friend who actually had decent plans for Christmas, while I had nothin’. I figured, what the hell.) I agree that working near or on Christmas Day really is crappy. I am home this Christmas, which is nice. ---
**Author:** ![5que](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/3bc359/32.png) [@5que](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5que)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/12 "2003-12-24T19:02:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by spogga \* > \*\*Your birthday TOMORROW! > You couldn’t by any chance be the 2nd…nah forget it. \*\* Nope. Different Dads. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/13 "2003-12-24T19:11:06Z")
Hotels don’t close - so I’ll be working this evening, 3p-11p - but I’ll only be on-call the next three, so that’s OK. ---
**Author:** ![spogga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@spogga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spogga)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/14 "2003-12-24T19:15:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by 5que \* > \*\*Nope. Different Dads. \*\* Are you absolutely CERTAIN of that? ---
**Author:** ![margin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@margin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/margin)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/15 "2003-12-24T19:24:48Z")
I’m working today and tomorrow, and my reserve unit just called to tell me I’m going to Iraq, starting January 13th. That certainly makes me feel kind of festive. I’m bringing DVDs to work tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/16 "2003-12-24T20:01:11Z")
Heck, X-mas Eve is one of my favorite days to work. The train in was nice and empty, as is the office. Courts are closing left and right, and my clients don’t want to get anything done. I got some work done this morning, screwed around on the computer, went for a run, and went shopping. Not bad, as far as work goes. I’m in charge of the office today - a whopping 3 out of 60 folks showed up. Heck - any day with no bosses around is pretty good by me. Why waste my leave when my bosses are using theirs? ---
**Author:** ![lonelocust](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/73ab20/32.png) [@lonelocust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lonelocust)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/17 "2003-12-24T20:27:25Z")
Working on Christmas Eve does indeed suck . I know since I just finished off my shift after having to work a couple of hours late. The real fun will be when I have to work the graveyard shift on New Years Eve. Sigh. I hate having to deal withHoliday drunks. ---
**Author:** ![SylverOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@SylverOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SylverOne)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/18 "2003-12-24T20:29:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by galen ubal \* > \*\*Hotels don’t close - so I’ll be working this evening, 3p-11p - but I’ll only be on-call the next three, so that’s OK. \*\* I have been there and done that! I don’t know what size motel you work in, or how formal the environment is… but when I worked this shift, a lot of the guests would bring in plates of food and goodies for us from their family gatherings. We’d usually wind up with a couple boxes of chocolates too! One couple had a small child (5 or 6 y/o) who was bound and determined that Santa wouldn’t be able to find them because they weren’t at home. I showed her the Christmas tree in the lobby and I assured her that he did come to the motel and that I would send him up to her room as soon as he got here. When they checked out a couple of days later, the mom left a gift for me, a chennille hat and mittens, with the 1st shift, thanking me for making her daughter feel better. ---
**Author:** ![Yeticus\_Rex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a698b9/32.png) [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/19 "2003-12-24T21:00:26Z")
Hey Sturm, Yah, working Christmas Eve sucks, but the money earned should help…I’m working too, but I will be off the next four days instead. And I could have helped your sorry ass out last night when I helped rush my son’s necro…where the hell were you?😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872/20 "2003-12-24T21:17:45Z")
Hell, I WISH I had gotten scheduled to work today. I could have really used the money, and I have literally nothing to do. The SO is with his family, my family is a 10 hour drive away, and I’ve never even had enough cash lying around to get a TV or a DVD-rom drive. Oh, and I finished my last book. sigh… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-on-christmas-eve-sucks/220872.md?page=2)