they can do what they please. Good on them I say
Maybe you are not someone by virtue of work or circumstances who needs to travel on Christmas day!!!... if an airline is providing regular public transport they have an obligation to the public they serve!
It's a private entity and they can do what they please
Last time I looked REX was not a "private entity"... they are a listed public company. Their stakeholder obligations do not stop at their shareholders... nor do they stop with their staff!
They have an public obligation to provide a service, even if a limited service!