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Christmas Day Just Another Day On The Job For Workers Across City

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Christmas isn't a day off for everyone.

CBS 2's Don Champion caught up with workers who were marking the holiday on their normal 9-to-5 routine.

From an emergency construction zone in Union Square to a tire shop in Queens, people are busy working this holiday.

Marion Williams had to report to work at a Midtown bagel shop early Christmas morning.

"It's been a lot of deliveries. I thought it would've been slow but not at all," she told Champion.

Williams said her family has learned how to work around her holiday schedule.

"It's no biggie because I celebrate Christmas yesterday. Christmas Eve, we had dinner and everything," she told Champion.

In Queens, Mayor Michael Bloomberg took time out to thank firefighters who were on the clock.

Firefighters admit working on Christmas is a sacrifice but it's one they're proud to make.

"Of course it is, but somebody has to keep the city safe. So there it is," firefighter Leo Lopez said.

Teodoro Carpio got stuck returning home from his overnight shift with a flat tire. He was able to find an open body shop to help change the flat.

"Very, very lucky because I didn't think anybody was open," Carpio told Champion. "Working on Christmas, it's OK but when you have family you want to be with your family."

There may be hope for holiday workers going forward. A new survey by a workforce institute found an increase in the number of businesses and companies closing down between the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

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