Retail, and The Holidays

As someone who works in retail, as someone who has to deal with everything that comes with "the holidays" I think America, as a whole, has failed to remember the true meaning of the holidays. When I was younger, I remember not being able to go anywhere on holidays, because all the stores were closed. Want to go shopping on Thanksgiving? Nope, all the stores are closed, forcing you to spend time with your family, almost all of which you only see this time of year anyways. Thanksgiving is a time where you are supposed to be thankful for what you have, and appreciate everything that you have. Now thanksgiving has become the biggest shopping day of the year. "Black Friday" as it is known around the country, is a slice of hell where normal people become rioters over the newest gaming console.

Getting back to the point, this is my third holiday in retail, and this year seems to be the worst. Customers are ruder, more money is being spent, more requests being made. Which if it isn't met automatically becomes our fault. Just remember that we are people too, we would rather be with our families this holiday, rather than working. So when we are sold out of the item your looking for, don't yell at us. We are just people too. Trying to make a living, and living life.

Why are people so materialistic anyways? Buy this, buy that, all it is is BUY, BUY, BUY. Attempting to win over the love and affection of our families with new sparkly items. Personally, I have never really been a materialistic person, while technology has been a nice convenience, give me a good book, and a place to read, and I'm good to go. But, getting violent over toys or movies seems a bit childish. Where was it along the was of evolution, where humans decided it was acceptable to physically harm someone over a tonka truck. It baffles me. I guess because I didn't get everything I wanted, I learned to appreciate what I have and not want more than what is needed. Now I'm not saying if someone handed me a Ferrari and said "Merry Christmas" I wouldn't take it, but what I would do is sell it, and use the money for the things I do need. Plus insurance on one of those things is a bitch. All I'm saying is that we need to take a step back and reevaluate what the holidays really mean, and execute them. No more should we be bashing our skulls in for Hot Wheels. Instead we should be plummeting our spoons into the mashed potato bowl and sharing stories of times past.

So in closing, remember what the holidays are about, don't end up on the news for bashing someones skull in for a new xbox. Also, respect those who work retail, they hate holiday shopping as much as you do.

Best wishes
-Zach