With Christmas right around the corner, I would like to take some time to reflect on what working in retail has taught me about people and the “Christmas Spirit.”

1. Piles form fast.

How hard is it to shop with both hands? Try refolding that shirt you just picked up to toss back down haphazard fashion. If you are in that much of a hurry, maybe you should have stayed at home??? In addition, do not pull from the bottom of the pile. Please just ask us to help you. It is a real pain to reset a display because you were too lazy to use some common sense.

2. People are rude.

I cannot fathom how difficult it really is to be nice, especially to the children. If you are trying to buy Christmas gifts for your child and you tell them to pick out whatever they like, do NOT tell them that you think it is ugly. Why would you do that? It very clearly hurts their feelings, try being a nice adult for once.

3. Do not fat shame your children.

Please, please, please do NOT tell your child they are too fat for an outfit. How about you try to be polite for once and supportive of your child’s choices? Instead of saying, “you’re too fat, you need the next size up.” Try waiting until they TRY IT ON and then saying something along the lines of “I think you will grow out of this too fast, let’s get the next size so you can wear it longer.” or “It’s really cute, but I think a longer one would be better.” You are not helping your child feel confident in themselves or body by being a Scrooge.

4. Keep your TMI to yourself.

Listen, I do not care that “your girl” is half-Cuban and she has a “huge booty.” Like thanks???

5. Ever heard of please and thank you?

Hey, buddy, news flash, I do not have to do anything you ask me to do. You are not entitled to my service. So, next time you decide to be extremely rude check your attitude, no one has to help you. Sure, it is nice if we do, but I will not help you if you are just going to yell. You can reach for it yourself.

6. WHAT???? I CAN NOT HEAR YOU? WHAT DID YOU SAY???

Why did you come in the store with your several thousand other family members screaming at the top of your lungs? You know, this Christmas soundtrack that is on repeat is enough to get anyone a headache. We do not need you help add to it. You can stop at any time and utilize your inside voice. Just, please, try not to yell halfway across the store at each other.

Overall, working in retail starting on Black Friday has really taught me that people are impolite especially around Christmas. Gluttony comes in all shapes and sizes and it appears to me people are so focused on purchasing gifts, they forget who they are purchasing the gift for and why they are purchasing it in the first place. Christmas is not about giving or receiving gifts, but being kind and spreading cheer.