Would you work to avoid family at Christmas?
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
Perth, Australia
December 19, 2015 12:20am CST
A question was asked on the radio asking people to call in to say if they would rather work on Christmas day to avoid seeing their families.
Some people rang up and explained that they had no choice but to work and others rang in and said that they did prefer to work on that day because they didn't want to be with their families.
Have you or do you know anyone who don't want to be with their families on Christmas day? What was their reason for not wanting to be with their family?
14 people like this
23 responses
@OreoBrownie (3755)
• Commerce, Georgia
19 Dec 15
I never would want to avoid family when I was young. But when my child was grown I often worked to let those with kids to be off.
3 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
19 Dec 15
I've done that too. I'd rather work, since I don't have kids, so some parent can be with theirs.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
19 Dec 15
I did too PQas a single nurses aide eve thiough my familty loved Chrismas.One year they brought Christmas to me af ter work theywere there at my room with gifts we ate dnner at one of the better restaurants and we all had a ball too
2 people like this
@Letranknight2015 (52079)
• Philippines
19 Dec 15
Only businesses are benefiting this holidays because most people follow the tradition forcing them to purchase these products. the idea of giving should be done constantly and not just on christmas season. but for OFW's they would do anything to have time for family, it's just that money is time.
3 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
@DreadPirateRoberts I think it stands for Overseas Filipino Workers.
@DreadPirateRoberts (26)
• United States
20 Dec 15
Sorry. I'm not the sharpest sword in the scabbard. What is OFW?
I know ROUS, but not OFW. Help a matey out.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
19 Dec 15
I can understand those who do not want to see their extended families.
When a person is a single, and they will always face the embarrassing question of "who are you going out with? You should get a boyfriend to look after you."
Or those with broken relationship or just have a divorce.
The last thing they want is to see the pitying glance by their relatives.
3 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
19 Dec 15
Yeah I can understand that. It is a shame that sort of thing happens and makes someone feel uncomfortable enough to avoid them.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
19 Dec 15
We never work Christmas eve or day. THe store is closed on Christmas Day and it closes on Christmas eve at 7. Since we work third, we don't have to come back in until Saturday. I don't like to get together with my familoy as much as I used to. I tis more the fact that I don't like the crowds all that much.
2 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
19 Dec 15
But I hope you still connect with some of your family this Christmas season.@ScribbledAdnauseum
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
20 Dec 15
@Marcyaz I am not sure yet. It all depends on how I feel on Christmas Day. I may want to sleep in.
2 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
I know what you mean about the crowds. I am often like that.
1 person likes this
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
20 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13 I couldn't do that to myself work a holiday just to avoid them
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
Well it sure would be more fun then work.
1 person likes this
@ajoywork33 (123)
• Mumbai, India
19 Dec 15
I think some people get confused with what they want in their life. They mix up their happiness with money. Obviously some get no option as everybody can not be with their family some of us have to go for work.
3 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
20 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13
Now that is sad that a person doesn't feel like they can go to their families at Christmas time because they don't feel like they are accepted there.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
Well some people on the radio was explaining how they didn't want to go because they didn't feel like they were accepted for different reasons.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
21 Dec 15
@Marcyaz I know it is a shame. But from what one caller said was that he didn't feel accepted for his family didn't approve of his sexuality. :/
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
21 Dec 15
Do you like listening to talk-back radio?
I'm working thru Christmas, but am the only one of my family left in this State, so it wouldn't really matter. Add to that I'm fruitarian; they all disowned me totally the moment I went vego at age 19. I didn't care either way at the time, as I'd been living far from "home" on the farm since age 15. From an economic perspective it's great... even the tax-man loves it
!
I'm working thru Christmas, but am the only one of my family left in this State, so it wouldn't really matter. Add to that I'm fruitarian; they all disowned me totally the moment I went vego at age 19. I didn't care either way at the time, as I'd been living far from "home" on the farm since age 15. From an economic perspective it's great... even the tax-man loves it!1 person likes this
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
21 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13 maybe it's different for those growing up in/near the city, but way out in the middle of nowhere, if you don't eat mutton, tomato sauce & potato, you're Un-Australian & don't deserve to survive. A lot of vegans I know are "weird" due to social isolation.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
21 Dec 15
@veganbliss wow... I am very sorry. That is so harsh and insane.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
21 Dec 15
Sometimes. And sometimes just listen to whatever my dad is listening to in the car. I hardly ever listen to the radio any other time. Just mainly when I am in the car.
They disowned you because of that? Seriously?
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
19 Dec 15
I normally had to work it was a mandatory holiday that we work on the holidays.
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
20 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13 Yea that's true, but they were only concerned with getting the shift covered.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83103)
• United States
20 Dec 15
Lucky for me I enjoy spending time with my family. I've never been in a position to choose work or family. I guess there are some people who would rather work than face family drama
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
21 Dec 15
That's very true. I hope you have a good Christmas with your family. :)
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
20 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13 we just have to get used to it.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
Well as long as it is fine with you guys then that's all that matters. :)
@smoneyshoney (108)
• Chennai, India
21 Dec 15
Well personally i don't celebrate christmas but i respect it. Well when we celebrate festivals in my country, i would like to stay at home with family and few selected relatives. On the other hand, i would like to stay away as well depending on the guests whom i will be having at home during festivals.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
21 Dec 15
Fair enough. Thanks for answering.
1 person likes this
@saurabhrmp (2283)
• Hyderabad, India
20 Dec 15
Usually I wont celebrate Christmas but this time it is coming as long weekend, so I am also going to celebrate Christmas this year but not yet decided how?
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
I am sure you will think of something and it will be good. :)
@saurabhrmp (2283)
• Hyderabad, India
20 Dec 15
@VivaLaDani13 Sure I will definitely think of something, as we have long weekend also.
1 person likes this
@Daljinder (23236)
• Bangalore, India
8 May 16
Sigh! Elders argue and we kids have to be seperated. Because they weren't talking to each other, kids have to be the collateral damage. It sucked! 
P. S. Not talking about Christmas since we don't celeberate it. Other main festivals we celeberate.
P. S. Not talking about Christmas since we don't celeberate it. Other main festivals we celeberate.1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
9 May 16
Sounds pretty stressful. :/ I'm sorry it was a crappy time.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
19 Dec 15
omy don't ask hospital workers as someone has to take care of the unfortunate sick people and I know some of them would love to spend Christmas with their families.When I was working and single I had to work Christmas dayso he marredoned culd spmd Christmas with their families.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
Yeah I know. I feel bad for those who have to work like doctors / nurses etc.
@celticeagle (168334)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Dec 15
I wish my family was still alive and could all be together. It's just me and the kids now.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
I'm sorry. I understand. Some family members of ours wont be joining us for Christmas ever again. Can be really difficult.
@nonersays (3335)
• United States
20 Dec 15
Hmm. I wish those people who hated to see their family so badly would come work my job for me this year so I could see my family. I had to work Thanksgiving, and I'll be at work almost all day on Christmas Eve. Our store is closed Christmas or I would be working that day too.
I guess I must have been blessed with family. I love to spend time with mine. I've never really understood people who hate and avoid their family.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
I am so sorry for you missing out because of work. It is sweet that you really love and care for them all.
@Raine38 (12389)
• United States
20 Dec 15
Wouldn't it be nice that those who actually like to spend time with their families do not have to work during the holidays, and those who want to avoid their families do have to work? But of course, it will only be that way in the perfect world.
Personally, I can say that I would still want to spend time with my family even if I do not like some of them. I like and love most of them, and I will not ruin everything just for a few people that I want to avoid.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
20 Dec 15
That's very mature of you. Sadly enough not everyone can think like that.
@DreadPirateRoberts (26)
• United States
20 Dec 15
I want to see most of my family. But there is one member of the "family" by marriage that will actually avoid. i have also experienced family members who enjoy their Grog and Eggnog a little too much and that makes it uncomfortable for everyone.
Other than that, the only time i miss Christmas is when i'm out at sea raiding off the coast of Gilder (The country across the sea. The sworn enemy of Florin.)
1 person likes this
@noblewriter (55)
• India
20 Dec 15
I think Christmas eve is a wonderful opportunity to settle the indifference and start a fresh and new relationship. After all running away from friends and relations is not a solution, it would further bitter the relations.
1 person likes this
