December is upon us, and with that comes holiday cheer, holiday music, and lots of giving. (Tis the season, right?) For me, I have gifts to give out on December 25th, also known as- say it with me, Christmas Day! As excited as I am to give gifts, a lot of thought goes into what you get/create for someone, and I think that stresses people out- and people tend to take it out on the people in retail simply trying to do their jobs. People like me.

Now, I, a retail worker, am the first person to understand how stressful this season is. Buying everyone in the immediate family presents, thats 3, plus all my friends (roughly 5 people), a special someone, my secret santa for work and don't forget about all four grandparents! So, doing the math the equation looks a little like this:

3 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4 - $$$ = very stressed, broke, tried me.

Working retail is a joy for me, really it is. I get to listen to people that hate our prices, don't like my attitude, think the store is to big yet the inventory is too small because we don't have what they want, and would like discounts for the scratch on the cover of a book...just for a few examples.

Listen, dear, future costumer, I want to tell you this. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

We (retail workers) are working as hard as we can to give you the best experience shopping with us this holiday season, or for any other time for that matter. We care about you, and we want your shopping experience to be awesome- because when you have a good time, we have a good time helping you. I want your son/daughter/mom/dad/dog/whatever to enjoy these gifts too...but when you yell at me for not being helpful and not being able to find what you needed when the description you gave me was, and I quote, "It was a purple book, candle on the front-or maybe a lamp. I don't know the author or title, but do you have it?", when I in fact work in a store full of books, I can't help but feel frustrated with you too.

Wait. You mean to tell me retail workers have feelings too?

YES.

WE DO.

Look, I'm not saying not to be upset, but don't be upset with the workers- or the managers, for that matter. It is out of our control. Behavior? I will take responsibility for that any day- but when you yell at me for not having 'hatchimals' in stock, it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

If you didn't want to interact with anyone, then you shouldn't have come out to shop. The internet also sells items you may be looking for.

With that being said and my rant officially over, I appreciate all the customers past, present, and future who are kind and considerate over this hectic holiday season. If you have been naughty to the retail workers, there is still one thing you can do to get on Santa's nice list- be nice to retail workers and treat us with respect and we shall return the favor!

XOXO, Retail workers everywhere.