FOR some Bendigo residents Christmas day is just another work day.
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Foodworks Golden Square employee Mick Hurley said he did not mind working for Christmas.
"It doesn't phase me," he said.
"I finish at 11am, so I'll still be able to make it to Christmas lunch with the family."
All Seasons Bendigo bistro manager Jackie Swift, who put on a Christmas day lunch for 700 people, said she loved working on Christmas.
"I want everyone else's Christmas to be as good as mine always is," she said.
"We are putting on a three course buffet lunch, starting at noon."
All Seasons Bendigo executive chef Matt Spolding said people were in a good mood on Christmas day.
"Everyone's in a great mood, so I don't mind working at all," he said.
Everyone's in a great mood, so I don't mind working at all.
- Matt Spolding
"I started at 6am and finish at 3pm.
"My family have lunch quite late so I can make it.
"This is my third year working Christmas day."
Bendigo police hope residents would take care on the roads and family members who don't get along would put aside their differences for the day.
Sergeant Robert Walsh said there was often an increase in family disputes later in the day.
"We don't mind working on Christmas day though," he said.
"Someone has to do it.
"I'm happy to do it."
Coles Express Deborah Reef employee Pam Leech said this was her third year working Christmas.
"I'm happy to work," she said.
"We all share the workload here.
"I'll be out by 11am.
"I'm going to have Christmas with my family at the All Seasons."