I much prefer to work Christmas and New Year periods, and take time off during other parts of the year. That way, I can work in peace and quiet, and make progress without being constantly pulled and pushed from task to task.
Focus. execute. Complete. Move on.
Plus, its nice to be seen to have freedom when others may not. However, I always get confused when I take a Tuesday or Wednesday off of walk, and arrive somewhere, or am going from place to place, and often think "Don't you people have jobs?"
Christmas and New Years for me are different as I try to go home to my folks so it'll be different for everyone. I do like the downtime during this period though as it's also quiet at work so I have minimum need to work if needed. Depends on the type of work and nature of business, I guess.
This is so true! Where I come from though, a lot of work happens round the clock to cover for different shifts so it's more of a norm. But you're right, strategic breaks where it's a lot more quiet is key and outside of peak hours for people so you can be at peace and not have to fight off nasty commute/travel as well as crowded places.