Residents share their stories about working on Christmas
Matt Boudreau
Noblesville Police Officer
Crime never takes a day off and neither do police officers.
“It’s the way things are. Time off, especially holidays, are based on seniority,” said Boudreau. “We pair back a little bit so more people can have time off.”
Boudreau, an officer for four and a half years, will use his time off on Christmas Eve to celebrate with his wife and kids.
“We’ll spend the day together,” he said. “Our extended family is coming in on Christmas Day.”
Like any other day, officers never know how busy the holiday will be.
“In years past it has been quite. We respond when needed. Thanksgiving this year was livelier. It all depends,” he said. “I try not to let it hamper the day. You try your best to enjoy it.”
If possible, Boudreau would like to pop in on his family and be around for early morning gift opening.
“I’ll be in and out throughout the day. It’s a situational thing,” he said. “My kids see me in uniform more than without it on. They understand daddy has to work.”
Peg McIntosh
Riverview nurse
As families gather around the Christmas tree opening presents, McIntosh will be several hours into her 12-hour shift on Riverview Hospital’s medical/surgical floor.
“I’m glad I’m not a patient, that’s a blessing in my opinion,” she said.
McIntosh is in her 43rd year as a nurse and has worked her share – and then some – Christmases.
“Twenty, maybe?” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised. I don’t mind it at all.”
McIntosh has three grown children and two are married.
“All we care about is being together and not going anywhere else,” she said. “With in-laws to see, it’s more fun for all of us to do it a different day.”
This year, the family plans to celebrate on Dec. 29.
“My family is just used to it. Any day can be Christmas,” she said. “I often volunteer for people that have little kids. We’ll trade schedules. It’s OK; it’s not a bad time to be here.”
McIntosh said the people and families who come to the hospital on Christmas are very friendly and appreciative of the employees.
Mitch Ross
Hamilton Imax 16 manager
Movie theaters are open every day of the year and that includes every holiday.
“Those that work in movie theaters love movies. We’re aware customers come out this time of year,” said Ross. “People who attend movie theaters have grown up going to movie theaters. It’s a tradition to see a movie on Christmas day or New Years day. The people who work here are those kids and they understand.”
To provide some time off, Ross said Hamilton Imax 16 closes early on Christmas Eve and opens late on Christmas Day.
“It’s busy,” he said. “Working at a movie theater on Christmas is really a lot of fun. The staff is in a good mood, families are in a good mood. The customers really make it worthwhile. They tell you, ‘Thank you for being open.’”
While it may be a packed house, Ross said movie goers have a jolly attitude and humanity. To add to the festivities, several workers bring in treats and food.
“It’s a good vibe. I love Christmas,” he said.
Ross, who has worked in the business for 13 years, said the first shows on Christmas begin around 3 p.m.
“Even with half of the show times off, we do a Saturday’s worth of business,” he said. “It’s pretty busy but that makes it fun too.”
Lisa Lin
Kobayashi owner
Kobayashi Sushi & Asian Kitchen, 2295 Greenfield Ave., will be open for the second consecutive year.
“It was busy last year, that’s why we decided to do it this year. We noticed everyone closes early so people can go to church,” Lin said. “We were shocked (at the crowd). The crowd we got on Dec. 24 and 25 were mostly families and large parties.”
Lin is a Catholic, but her husband, Jet, who is co-owner and chef, is a Buddhist.
“We’re quite a mixture,” she said. ““I still teach my 4-year-old about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas along with her Christian preschool.”
Kobayashi will be open noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas.
“We’re open because my husband does not celebrate it and our family isn’t around town,” she said. “If my husband was Catholic we might be closed.”
While the restaurant is open, the holiday is not just another day.
“We give our employees who do celebrate Christmas time off. We’re understaffed for Christmas Eve and Day. We take that upon ourselves to do the work,” she said.
In addition to Christmas gifts, the Lins celebrate the Chinese New Year in late January by providing their employees with red envelopes.
“They’re given as thank you’s, a combination of each tradition,” Lin said.