Not just Santa working on Christmas

While many businesses were closed for Christmas, some employees around the area couldn't catch a break. They were working while others were with their families.

However, most of those interviewed by Hernando Today agreed they didn't mind working on the holiday - especially if it gave those with small children time off to be with them.

On Cortez Boulevard, the holidays didn't keep coffee lovers from seeking their favorite caffeine quencher as some employees worked until 3 p.m. when the store closed.

Christina Ramirez, 22, said she doesn't mind working the holiday. Although it does take her away from her family, she didn't have to get to work until 11 a.m., giving her plenty of the Christmas morning to be with her family.

"The time goes by pretty fast," Ramirez said. "And then there's the time-and-a-half pay."

At Brooksville Regional Hospital, Security Officer Mary Brown not only worked Christmas morning and evening, but on her birthday as well.

With all of her children grown-up, she said she didn't mind working throughout the holiday.

"I like my job and working today gives someone else a break," Brown said. "So I don't mind it."

Nursing Supervisor Jessica Randall also said she didn't mind working the holiday and normally does so each year because she doesn't have small children. Her family also prefers to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve more so than on Dec. 25.

"It's part of our job," Randall said. "People need care no matter what day it is.

We also know each other and know what each others' preferences are, so we can try and help one another if some of us prefer not to work on certain days or at certain times during the holiday."

Similar opinions were shared among area gas stations - particularly at Kangaroo Express on Broad Street in Brooksville.

Both Assistant Manager Gerry Pruser and Store Clerk Lynda Hope agreed they also don't have young children anymore and to them Dec. 25 is just another day.

"For people with little kids, I understand if they didn't want to work today," Pruser said. "For me - at least I have a job. A lot of people don't."