Nurse Who Worked 6 Christmases in a Row Quits After Her Vacation Time Was Revoked in Favor of New Mom

A woman on Reddit shared why she resigned from her job after being told she’d have to work through the Christmas season again — despite finally securing time off months in advance.

She explained that she has spent the last six years covering every major winter holiday — Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s — without complaint.

“It was no big deal to work all these holidays because I do not have an immediate family,” she wrote. She shared that she was widowed five years ago and unable to have children, and her parents and siblings typically work through the holidays as well. Their family traditions usually happen a few days late.

This year was supposed to be a long-awaited change. Her parents had retired and wanted everyone to take a special trip to Europe to visit family and explore Christmas markets together.

“In July of this year I requested the week of Christmas off and it was approved,” she said. Her siblings and their spouses also arranged their time off early so the whole family could join the trip.

Everything was planned — until late October.

“Fast forward to the last week of October, my boss calls me in the office to tell me that she has to take away my Christmas vacation because a co-worker had a baby a few months ago and she needs the time off to celebrate the baby’s first Christmas.”

The nurse noted the co-worker “did not work any holidays last year and is not scheduled to work any this year.” She reminded her manager that she already had approval and non-refundable plans.

Her boss responded by saying that holiday time off was prioritized for employees with families. The nurse pushed back, pointing out that being widowed doesn’t make her family any less real.

When the manager insisted that “employees with children” should get preference, the nurse refused to cancel her already-approved travel so someone who requested too late could take her place.

Her boss removed her vacation anyway, placing her back on the holiday schedule. HR supported management, stating no policies were violated.

That was the breaking point.

“Her plan backfired as I turned in my notice and my last day will be the day before Thanksgiving,” she wrote. “Since I quit, my co-worker now has to work Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Some co-workers criticized her for not just giving up the time and “letting the other co-worker have Christmas with her baby.” But she felt strongly that after six years of covering for others, she deserved this one opportunity to prioritize her own happiness.

“The one time I want to do something special with my family, I am the villain,” she said. “I do not feel I am the a-hole here since I requested the time off and made plans accordingly.”

Reddit users overwhelmingly agreed. One person wrote, “Your time isn’t less valuable simply because you don’t have children. Also, the new baby isn’t gonna remember Christmas anyway.”

Another commenter encouraged her: “You put in the time and paid your dues — it’s time to do something nice for yourself and your family. Jobs come and go but you can’t replace lost time and missed holidays.”

---