I had 13 weeks maternity leave and 5 weeks annual leave after that then was going to take leave without pay for about 10 weeks. I decided to go back early to work so it turns out that I am paid for all the Xmas holidays including today as it is a public holiday today where I work. They have to pay for public holidays while on annual leave.

Is it a small business you are working for? A few years ago I donated bone marrow and my boss wouldn't give me sick leave to recover so I had to take annual leave.