The long break at Christmas.

It’s not just businesses that are closed at this time of year, so are all my social clubs and groups. I live alone and once the Christmas festivities are over ( I’m lucky to spend the day with my siblings and adult children) I won’t be seeing anyone until 4th January - and that is for a hospital appointment! It’s such a long time to be in the house alone.

I have mobility and health problems so cannot go out for a walk or a look around the shops, I rely on socialising with people at restaurants, theatres, social clubs etc but all there are very few events planned this year - Covid does not help.

Ah well, I’ve got plenty of hobbies to get on with and books to read so I’ll get by but it does get lonely.

Our dentists are still not seeing people unless you are private. The GP surgeries have always closed for 2 days Christmas and. New Year for many years and if over a weekend then Monday or Tuesday or both are public holidays. Out of hours covers emergencies. Rarely go in a bank now and only post office if getting stamps or sending a parcel. Local radio usually reminds people to plan in advance from the beginning of December.

I felt really sorry for the receptionist the heating wasnt on and she was wearing her coat. No sign of Christmas left in the surgery and I just felt really grateful that I am off for 2 weeks. I spent years working over Christmas and it's not the greatest of fun.

I know people do things differently but I havent been in a bank or post office for years. I was in the dentist this morning though so the longest they have been shut is 3 days.

I don't begrudge anyone a rest, especially not after the horrible year we have endured.

We are not done yet, so a couple of weeks r&r will be much needed to enable our beleaguered workforce to regroup and hopefully gain a bit of strength for what lies ahead.

You would think so GSM !
We don’t need services 24/7 and there is cover for medical emergencies.
People need a rest.

I don't grudge anyone the time off. Most folk including very hardworking retail and catering staff ( who hardly get any time off) have worked very hard. Unless it's essential work, I think people should get 25th,26th December off and 1st and 2nd January. Most people buy enough for a siege at this time of year. Couple of days with places closed wouldn't make much difference in my opinion.

Working people would be cheated out of their holidays if they didn’t have a couple of extra days off when Christmas falls at the weekend. Surely, save in cases of dire medical emergency, we can manage?

Having Christmas at the weekend means that most people who are working don't get any time off unless there are extra Bank Holidays. Otherwise it's just like an ordinary weekend for them.

If you know in advance, then things like banking and using the post office, even some medical things, can be organised so that they are minimally affected.

Our GP surgery has been open as normal apart from Monday 27th. Not sure about other local services.

I think a lot of those that work in the health sector deserve extended time off.

There is not much that can be done in a bank or post office that cannot be done online.