It's more wonderful time of the year - for the shoppers, not so much for the workers. Working in retail has its perks, even through the crazy holiday season. Although, in the middle of a shift I do find myself facing problems only retail workers that go through the holidays know to be true. Here are things you deal with, just as much as I do:

1. When customers look for something we don't sell

No, we don't have a lawn mower in a boutique. Try Sears?

2. When something breaks because the store is so crowded

That moment that you hear a shatter or a bang and you think of how you need to 1) clean it up 2) report that it was damaged 3) replace it 4) all while assisting customers

3. Running out of a size someone needs

There is nothing worse than a customer finding a piece of clothing they love, but not having their size in it. Believe me when I say, I am truly sorry.

4. Wrapping

Wrapping each item not only takes a long time, but wrapping it in general is a pain. Its hard to make oddly shaped things look nice, or keep the backs of earrings from ripping through the tissue paper.

5. "Hi how are you?... Hi how are you?"

People start to rush in all at the same time. When you're the greeter, you've transformed yourself in a robot. Constantly saying "hi how are you?" to every guest that walks into the store, by the time you leave you're on autopilot.

6. When people don't respond to you

I am doing well, thanks for asking!

7. Staying late for closing

One more hour..... okay, now one more hour...... maybe now, one...... more..... hour.......

8. Wanting to buy everything on sale

If the sale is better than my employee discount, how could I resist temptation?

9. Doing holiday shopping while working

I'll just put a few things on hold to buy after my shift....

10. Bonding with your staff over the holiday struggle

Yes - the holidays can be tough - but we wouldn't be able to get through them alone, without our amazing co-workers to help each other out.