There was a time when the holiday season was just that – the holiday season.
That meant time to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends.
Stores were closed. Last minute shopping would happen the day before the holiday, but only if we were lucky enough a store would be open.
Store workers would and could rush home to be with there family and enjoy the day off.
Today when the holidays approach most people are early shopping, waiting for the sales.
Some stores are putting signs out letting customers know a sale will begin even before the Thanksgiving turkey is cold.
“I do not like working on Holidays,” said Annissa Garcia, a former Delta College student who works in retail.
Stores already having opening hours on Thanksgiving Day include Walmart, Target, Sears, JCPenney and Macy’s – many of which are located right across the street from campus.
Often the same people saying they are thankful for family time are the ones staring at the clock to see when they can rush out to get the best deals on Christmas gifts.
It’s a stressful time for everyone during the holiday season.
Parking-lots are full, people are running around, every store cashier line is open, clothes and all kinds of items are on the floor and unfortunately, the rudeness of some people come out.
“Customers during the holidays are grumpy and rude,” said Bianca Melendez, a former Delta College student who worked holiday shifts in the past. “I hated working during the holidays, especially when I was at the grocery store. Everyone is rushing and has no regard for others.”
Not all are that way, though, Melendez added. But the negative attitudes often outweigh the positive ones.
“There are few people who are sweet and good spirited, that have the holiday spirit. [But] for the most part it is pretty bad,” said Melendez.
Workers at stores often can’t avoid working on Black Friday or undesired holiday hours because those shifts are hard to fill.
Bosses and managers have to plan ahead to make sure the store’s employees serve the demand.
Coworkers are wondering if they should make plans or wait.
“They tell us at least a week before. If you say no, you have to have a really good excuse but you would also have to find someone to cover you,” said Shanel Davalos, a Delta College student who works in retail.