Will you be working over Christmas?

[DanMartin]

We posed the same question last year (http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=50205) but I thought it'd be interesting to see whether we get different results in 2008.

Christmas is traditionally a time for relaxing with friends and family but that's not always the case for the busy small business owner. I'm interested to know how many UKBF members will be working on running their company over the Christmas period. Let me know by taking part in the poll above and selecting the statement which most applies to you.

Last year, 10% of you said you were going to be working on Christmas Day. Will that be the case this year?

[Delta-SI]

I will look at my emails at some point but it has been made very clear to my clients that come Dec 21st they are on their own...

[asonda]

Aye, I'm going to just stop around the 23rd, will keep checking things in case some emergency takes place but most customers are shut from the 24th until the 5th of January anyway :)

[KidsBeeHappy]

Few years back, when we sold antiques online, we took around £2k of sales on Christmas day. Couldn't believe it!!

Personally, i believe that everyone should shut down, as business people, there are very few here that actually provide life and death type services. We have reached a sad place in this world when customers phone at 10pm on a Sunday evening and actually expect someone to speak to them and answer their question.

I think the world would be a better place if people realised that 24/7 customer support although nice, isn't a necessity, and they can actually wait until the next morning to get their question answered.

Everyone has family, one way or another, and those families deserve our time and attention even if it is just exclusively on one or two days of the year.

All shops/resturants should be closed. It is unfair to put sometime financially pressed employees in the situation where they need to choose between watching their kids get up on Christmas morning, or serve the ever demanding public at double time wages that they can't afford to turn down.

Apart from 999 stuff, there is nothing in this world that we can't go without for one day.

This question should be phrased what's more important on Christmas Day, my family or my customers.

[Calibre Designs]

Nicely put Sandra!

[Faith28]

As a family, we are going on a short break for 3 days during christmas. But my mind always works overtime! Does that count?

[YODspica]

It can be difficult to switch off, especially after years of non-stop. I'm guessing some people will check their emails if they are bored or they have a quick break, instead of watching some movie.

[garysumpter]

I'll no doubt be working throughout the holiday. Xmas daytime will be off for the sake of the kids in the family, but back onto the laptop in the afternoon!

Gary

[garyk]

Nope never have and never will!

[MyAccountantOnline]

No - we all need a rest!:)

[movietub]

I will do nothing that feels like work (nothing boring) but will spend most of my not drunk time playing with a new website idea!

In fact what are the odds that most of us will avoid actual work over Christmas but still spend the same amount of time playing with the business and talking about it on here? :)

[Simon-M]

I will probably be keeping an eye on things but I doubt I will be doing too much.

[Ian J]

It can be difficult to switch off, especially after years of non-stop.

I don't have that problem at all but calls will be transferred to my mobile during the festive fortnight and if people really wish to spoil my holiday in the Canary Isles they can do so.

[Ashley_Price]

I have a Blackberry, so will keep a check on emails on that. However, if I get an enquiry on Christmas Day I'll be:

1/ Amazed; and
2/ Happy to respond.

[CKG]

No planned work for me.

Though i'll be happy to do call outs as and when they come in.

[deniser]

I change my prices over to sale prices on Christmas Day (but then we celebrate on Christmas Eve anyway when I won't do any work after lunchtime but will go to the post office for our last parcels in the morning).

Boxing Day last year on our website was absolutely manic - enjoyed watching all the sales mount up whilst sunbathing in Gran Canaria - we then posted them out when we got back on 2 January.

[pixelnet]

We'll be putting a notice on our website about slower than usual replies but we will be working outside of the 25th / 26th. Just the same as last year, and before...and...

[debbidoo]

I plan to take things easy where work's concerned. We have guests arriving on the 23rd, so I'll be busy cleaning and baking from the 22nd. The laptop will be switched on every day so I will check my emails, but I don't plan on doing much work, other than that, unless something crops up that can't be ignored. I work 12 hours a day 7 days a week most of the year, so I figure I deserve a bit of a rest at Christmas :)

[YourStressManager]

With regard to YourStressManager, I doubt I'll be doing much, but with my other hat on as a nurse...Yes, I WILL be working at Christmas!! :)

[Nicksyb]

I shall be working all over Christmas as I will be on my own. (Partner is a chef so will be working). It doesn't bother me much as I can use the time to catch up on everything :)

[Write My Site]

Nope - Christmas in Goa this year :D

[silvermusic]

Business line on answer machine and email can wait for two days a year while I pickle my brain on a bottle of Scotland's finest. :)

[AdamJ]

I've never worked between Christmas and New Year either back as an employee in a proper job, or as self-employed. Its the one chance a year to truly switch off and if the price is a missed opportunity to get a quote out then I can live with that.

[blackandwhite1986]

working over christmas.....not a chance!

[TaxiDave]

Supposedly our busiest time of year so yes I'll be working

[edmondscommerce]

i will be making myself available to my major clients as its an important time of year for ecommerce.. however - im not going to be workign on day to day stuff - just in case the need something urgently i will help them out...

so hopefully no but maybe yes

[limotek]

We will be off only for christmas and boxing day, we have loads of deadlines to finish before the end of year. But merry christmas to all!!!!

[Cornish Steve]

My older daughter is getting married on December 27, so I won't be working the week of Christmas. I'll probably be spending some time at work the following week, though.

[Comspec]

The Xmas period is mental for me usually, I even had 2 calls on Christmas Day last year.

I took off christmas Day only last year, but I might stretch to two days this year.

[maxine]

We are not planning on working Christmas day or Boxing day but you never know with call outs

[NetConneXions]

Currently working 18 hours a day, 7 days a week...sad i know.

I plan to only answer emails on xmas day and new years day.

[Gillie]

I will be off on the 21st December, (first day of Hanukkah) which is more important to me than Christmas ... only reason I don't work that Christmas day and usually the one after is that nowhere is open and no one else is working!!

New Years Day I emigrate and disappear off the planet for the day, bad bad day and seriously no one speaks to me or comes near me, and no, it aint a hangover!!

[lockie]

Not planning to but callouts are very attractive on those days so depends on the job.

[Comspec]

I am hoping this year to get a few days in the office with no customers, to get caught up on some work which needs to be caught up on. The customers get in the way of work :)

[faststaff]

Office will be shut from 4pm Christmas Eve until 5th January, but I'll fit in a couple of days just clearing paperwork backlog, and the phones will be diverted to my mobile. Whether I answer it or not depends on how profound my relationship with Mr Jim Bean is at the time!

Rich

[agentyumi]

I will not be working on the 24th til 26th but all my office calls will be diverted to my mobile so if there's an emergency I can catch it up immediately. Three days vacation; that's for my family:)

[Tigglet]

No, I won't be working between Christmas and New Year. As you would expect with luxury gift packaging, our busiest time is NOW and things will quieten down after Christmas! :)

[kayak]

Completing the sale and transfer of my business on Friday so I will be taking time off from the 13th December until I find a new job (which concerns me slightly).

Very excited about a Christmas off, as it's my first holiday in a year, which seems a huge amount of time not to have a holiday, considering I used to spend about three months abroad a year whilst at uni.

If I hadn't have sold the business, then I wouldn't have been working but I would have had to stick around in the UK so I could be 'on call'.

[Delta-SI]

I actually had a client offer me a large bonus to work for them on Christmas day but I have said no.

[Interconnect IT]

I'll not be working on the 25th/26th but... servers die when they want to die and don't give a stuff about holidays. It's unlikely there'll be a problem as in that respect we lead a pretty stress-free existence, but you never know.

[KidsBeeHappy]

Not planning to but callouts are very attractive on those days so depends on the job.


I imagine that there are some pretty good tips around that day :D

[serendipitybusiness]

Yes this year I will be working over Christmas apart from the 27th, getting ready for January. As my team will be taking time off it gives me time to get us all organised and get our own website up as well as our clients!

It also means that our clients can call me over that period whilst relaxing and planning projects for the new year.

However I will be making sure I keep some time aside to enjoy the little man's first memorable Christmas (he is 2 and a half this year). I will also treat myself to some mulled wine and mince pies whilst sat at the computer!!

Christmas has come too quickly this year.

:)

[MikeH]

We normally share the time off, but we have 2 staff off during the entire Christmas break. We will close for the stats plus 2 Jan 2009 but the office will be manned during the other 3 days 29 - 31 Dec. Fingers crossed most orders will be online so we will only operate for a few hours each day. However, from experience I know that we normally get a couple of busy days in between. We have seen people ordering companies and company products online on every day of the holidays. I know we live in a multicultural diverse society, but it still surprises me how many people still order on a public holiday.

Anyway I hope that everyone gets plenty of rest time during the Christmas break and that you all enjoy some quality time with your family and friends.

Merry Christmas everyone and I wish you all a prosperous New Year (even my competitors that use the forum).

Mike.

[plumbwiseinteriors]

Definatley need that 2 week break,suppliers shut anyway.

[Bluebell2]

I do self-assessment accounts and tax so it's our manic time until the end of January - no break.

All of you who leave everything until the last minute before giving it to your accountants please think of us more kindly and get it all done earlier please!!

And a Merry Christmas to you too!

[jonjon10]

After 2 days with the family, i'll be happy to get back to work lol

[Lianne]

We're closed to customers over the Christmas period, and I'm refusing to do any accounts work what so ever, but I am planning on drafting a new marketing letter ready to send to our database in the new year so I won't be on holiday completely. I don't intend to work normal hours on this at all, it'll be done in short stages as my family will come first. But I think it's important to hit the ground running when we re-open in January and doing a little prep work over the holidays is a must for that to happen!

[TonyHill]

No, clear through into January. Though at the cost of some annual leave. It is likely that there'll be some checking of email etc though

[molly1]

Unfortunately we have customers who will work twixt Christmas and New Year so guess what.... Just the two days break...
Ah well....soon be summer..

Dave

[Easy Invoicing UK]

Since customers place orders at the most peculiar times :eek: I think it's essential to keep an eye at least on emails !

Garry

[David Griffiths]

Closed at noon on 23rd and off for lunch. Best not to come back afterwards ;)

Office reopens Monday 29 and shut again on 1st, obviously.

I always come in between Christmas and New Year, and often on New Years Day. There's nothing else to do bar go shopping anyway! As Bluebell says it's peak season in December and January, although we've gradually weeded out the last minute merchants, so it's not a stressful time.

With the Christmas lunch on Tuesday, that's basically a six day break - plenty for me and the kids are going back on the Sunday, so that's Christmas over in any event

[KidsBeeHappy]

More businesses are shut here in Scotland on the 1st & 2nd Jan than on 25th & 26th December. Partic in the hotel/pub/resturant trade.

1st of Jan is like mary celeste

[Eplaygaming]

One of the drawbacks of working from home and on the internet.

IT NEVER SHUTS..:)

It will take me a certain amount of will power to stop switching this bloody machine on over the holidays..:redface:

.

[KidsBeeHappy]

Since customers place orders at the most peculiar times :eek: I think it's essential to keep an eye at least on emails !

Garry


Do you think if you emailed ICI, Customs & Revenue, Sage, anything other than the emergency lines for any of the utility companies, paypal or any bank, on 25th December you would receive a human answered reply before 27th December at earliest?

Why do small businesses put them selves under unrealistic pressures, that big businesses wouldn't even dream of considering.

Back to my original point - Why should a customer expect a reply to an email sent on Christmas day or boxing day, partic if your business is not 999 emergency stuff (and maybe webhosting for sensitive important services).

I will be honest, and say that if my website went down on Christmas day i would probably be peeved, but that i would 100% not expect phil to abandon Christmas day with his family to rush out and fix it.

[UKSEOAgency]

well whilst i will try and have the 25th off - if anyone wants to contact me i am contactable and around to talk seo to anyone apart from during xmas dinner.

The joys of being forced into starting up just before xmas!

[VendingRevolution]

We definately will not be working over Christmas as we close down the packaging plant and give all the staff a good long break from 24 December and return on 5 January.

Last year Pete and I got really bored and couldn't wait to get back to work so this year we are going to spend Christmas in New York - let's see if that makes us switch off and relax!

Regards.

Barbara

[CrispyUK]

I'm only part-time on my business anyway but most of my clients are shutting down or operating on a very reduced level between 19th Dec - 5th Jan so hopefully fairly quiet. I will be contactable throughout and no doubt checking e-mails on Christmas Day (but only because I'll be checking personal mails/facebook at the same time).

I daresay they'll be a handful calls on Christmas/Boxing Days from family and better-known customers with "we got this bit of IT related kit for Christmas, how do we get it to work?" :p

[Cimbian]

Relocating to a smaller office so I'll be lugging furniture, stock and PCs... Will stop for lunch though! ;-)

[Jayne Johnson]

We started the business working from home, in 2006 during November and December I only managed 1 day off, Christmas Day, which is also my birthday. On Christmas Day, I had lunch, 1 glass of wine and fell asleep! What a bore!

[Clare]

Could I suggest that anyone who is considering working on Christmas Day get in touch with me as a matter of urgency! :) (Unless of course you HAVE to work because it's part of your job)

The rest of you who feel you can't be parted from your laptop or Blackberry for more than a few hours - take a look at my Time Audit and see how you score.

I'll certainly shut my laptop down for at least the 25th/26th but will be doing bits and pieces ready for the New Year between Christmas and New Year, probably more play than actual work.

Clare

[Mrs Malapup]

Im just having Christmas Day off..... I have just taken on two cat sitting assigments over Christmas so quite pleased about that:)

[Delta-SI]

I have just sent my two main clients emails telling them that they can call me on Christmas day but I will charge double my normal hourly rate if I answer...

[Matt1959]

24th Dec to 5th jan for me. I always take loads of time off at Christmas:) I do pity those in retail:eek:

[Carl-CSNM]

I'll not be doing day to day stuff, however I'll still be regularly checking support tickets and dealing with "server down" alerts :D

[Shirleyp]

Hi, have a look at this. I'm planning to have another Christmas opening this year. 3 days entertaining, cooking for, housing, the less well off. I've used [ledgebank but can't post URLs to other sites until I've made 15 posts or more. God Bless. Shirley

[Shirleyp]

Hi, have a look at this. I'm planning to have another Christmas opening this year. 3 days entertaining, cooking for, housing, the less well off. I've used [ledgebank but can't post URLs to other sites until I've made 15 posts or more. My websites will still be generating income whilst I feed the 5000. God Bless. Shirley