2016 has flown by in a whirlwind of political controversies and shock news headlines, and the festive season is now sledging downhill towards us at startling speed. While it is, of course, wonderful to spend some time relaxing and indulging with family and friends at this time of year, many of us would relish the opportunity to escape Aunt Maureen’s sloppy kisses or the minefield of arguments and smug faces that is the family game of Monopoly. With that in mind, we thought we’d bring you an insight into the benefits of working over the festive season!

Show me the money!

An obvious reason to put in those extra hours over Christmas is the extra cash, and Quarter’s data elves have put together some examples of the delights you could indulge in. Working throughout December could earn you enough for an eye-watering 330 cups of mulled wine, a belly-busting 930 packs of mince pies or a whopping 25 pantomime tickets – just think, you could enjoy every pantomime the UK has to offer! Or, if you value your sanity and prefer to spend your spare cash on a more sensible amount of mulled wine and mince pies, then you can always use the rest for some extra special presents for your loved ones – it’s completely up to you.

And…breathe!

With fewer people working in the run up to Christmas and with students back home for the holidays, your journey to work just got a whole lot roomier! For once you’ll be able to find a seat on that usually packed bus or train - so stretch out and enjoy your commute! Or do you walk to work and usually find yourself doing everything you can not to shove that slow-walker out of the way or jostling to cross the road at busy pedestrian crossings? Well worry not – those pavements will be clear and you’ll be able to skip to work with ease, casting an occasional whimsical smile and knowing nod toward your fellow festive workers, safe in the knowledge that there will be no slow-walker-shoving today.

Bathe in martyrdom

Once you finish your shift, sit back, relax and soak up all the sympathy from family and friends – the more you milk the ‘it was a hard day at work’ spiel, the more rewards you will reap. Just picture it – feet up and slippers on while your nearest and dearest rush around you bearing cups of tea, glasses of wine, and an array of snacks. If you’re really savvy you could even persuade your loved ones to run you a hot bath or cook you dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Dodge that dull party

Unsure how to get out of that party that you just can’t be bothered to go to? Have no fear – making sure you have a work shift scheduled for the night of the party, or the day after (or even both!) is your new sure-fire get out clause. No one will argue with it. Say hello to a new era of socially selective possibilities!

It’s fun!

When all is said and done, working in hospitality over Christmas is actually great fun! You get to play a part in some amazing Christmas parties, New Years Eve parties and feel the satisfaction of imparting merriment on your guests. Even on a busy shift, spirits are always high and there’s never a dull moment – so enjoy!