Originally Posted by RockyBoy

Depending on how important it is to get Christmas off, APD's go before PD's and if the numbers are blue they will not limit the APD. If the numbers are close, then most likely someone senior to you will get a PD before you and the numbers will go even before it gets to you. Then your PD will be denied and your swap will also be denied sticking you with a Christmas trip.

So, if you have an APD you can use it and you will go before everyone requesting a PD or a swap. Good way for a junior guy to drop Christmas. I've used that twice and been successful.