Hello all…
Anyone who has worked or lived around me around the Holidays will tell you I am not a fan…
but I thought I would share why…
The short answer is I have worked in retail…
I can’t stand the way things get around the holidays. And now it begins just after Halloween…stores putting up stuff so early…
I have never liked the idea that there are ppl who have to work up until and on Xmas day, simply so those who leave shopping to the last minute can get get what they need.
Stores like Walmart being open 24 hours to accomodate (given most of them have gone to a 24 hours platform now anyway, but still)
Ppl feeling the need to top each other…and get something for everyone regardless of how well they know them (my point here is just where does it stop…you get for Family and friends, co-workers, random ppl that stop by, etc…it can go on forever)
With the point above, just picking up “whatever” because something needs to be gotten…
This list could be a lot longer…but this is just a few things…
I will qualify what I am saying by adding this…
This is MY problem…I don’t expect others to share in my misery, nor do I want to bring them down. They are my feelings based on my experiences.
I have permanent neck damage from working several Xmas’ on a computer that was not ergonomically set up (yes the companies fault, but I did complain, and it did not get changed until several years later…still…it was the xmas crowds that exasperbated the problem)
I am mildly agoraphobic. This means (for me) that I can’t be out in crowded spaces. I am not to the point where I will not leave the house…I can still get things I need to get done, but I am at the point where I will start to get panic attacks when I am out in a really crowded spot…
From my experience, for a season that is supposed to be all about giving and sharing and peace and love…(and as a customer service rep) you don’t feel a lot of that love. Yes…some ppl are really nice, but most ppl are really cranky from having to stand in line, perhaps they have not been able to find what they want…they are unhappy from having to be out in crowds and unfortunatly…the poor guy/gal behind the register is the most likely to get blast…mainly cause they are the last straw!
And back to one of my first points…there are ppl who HAVE to be out and working for the ppl that WANT to be shopping…it bugs me…but to qualify that, I know there are ppl that don’t celebrate, or don’t mind to be working…my thing is that I don’t like to celebrate, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be like everyone else and just have a day off to be with my family…or friends, or even alone…and what kind of attitude is “you have to work your scheduled shift, or you are going to get written up”
I admire all of you who can set all this aside and enjoy the holidays. I really do.
If it were up to me, a small token gift for those closest to me would be enough. A good meal with those you choose to spend time with.
Nothing elaborate, with the spare need to “impress” others…just token kindness and a well deserved piece of calm and serenity in an overly busy world…
Thanks…I feel a little better now