I'm not one to begrudge anybody a well-deserved holiday, but it never ceases to amaze me that Australia Post employees have more days off than virtually anybody else over the Christmas / New Year break, despite its arguably being the busiest time for mail, particularly parcels, during the entire year. I wouldn't mind so much except they happen to be what I consider an essential service, yet it comes to a virtual halt for close to 2 weeks at a time when the public needs them the most. It'd almost be funny if it wasn't so bloody farcical.