There are 364 days in the year to prepare retailers for the most dreadful, antagonizing, longest day of the year. After gathering around the table with family and friends and sharing what one is most thankful for, people rush to the stores to snatch up all of their Christmas gifts, or at least try to. Black Friday is filled with people running around, pushing and shoving each other to get their hands on the perfect Christmas gift for their loved ones. Stores prepare months in advance for this day and everything is thought-out to make the day go as smooth as possible. Just having worked my third Black Friday shift in a row, I can honestly say that I consider myself a Black Friday expert, knowing how everything should run to have a successful day. But even with all the preparation that takes place, it doesn't always go as smoothly as one wants it to. That is why I wanted to give some insights from an associate's point of view.

Managers repeatedly tell their associates that before anything else, we have to put the customers and their needs first. And that is what we try to do. We accommodate everything so the customer's shopping experience is a positive one, and so that it will lead them to become a loyal customer. We offer to put their items in a fitting room, as well as place their other purchases behind the register so their hands can be free. We do everything in our power to make shopping easier for everyone. Trust me, I am aware that it can get a bit annoying having so many different people come up to you and ask you if "are you finding everything ok?" or "can I start you a fitting room?" However, please keep in mind that we are just trying to help and make your experience a pleasurable one.

The one thing that I believe all clothing retailers can agree on is that when it comes to finding a size in anything that is folded, associates will go out of their way to quickly and efficiently grab that specific size for the customer. Since there are so many people shopping on Black Friday, stores tend to put out as much product as they can. This helps out the associates as we don't have to keep running back and forth looking for sizes. It saves us time and better yet, it saves you time. Folded shirts are stacked up so high they look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One of our worst fears is having the whole stack come tumbling down, forcing us to refold every single one of those shirts. That is why next time an associate offers to help you find a size, let them help, please for the love of God, don't brush them off. It will make everyone's life easier.

Another thing customers don't realize is that for the majority of clothing and shoe stores, the sale that they have on Black Friday are more or less the same sales they have had throughout the year. I hate to break it to you, but there are no "secret" deals. Technology is what is really worth fighting over on Black Friday. Clothing stores typically have their Black Friday sale running all week long. Maybe you might find a couple doorbusters on Black Friday, but for the most part, it's all the same. Trust me, there's no need to stress yourself out by coming to the mall and waiting through hour-long lines for a pair of jeans.

On the other hand, one of the things that associates and managers have literally no control over, are the registers. We all know technology has a mind of its own, and when its overwhelmed, it tends to slow down. Believe me, associates want to ring you up and have you go on with the rest of your Christmas shopping as much as you do, but the registers can only go so fast. And when one starts to act up, that is when we really feel the pressure, which causes our anxiety to increase. The last thing that we want is for our customers to get upset, and no one wants to waste time waiting in line when they know they have a million other things to do. So whenever you see that the line is going slower and slower, it is most likely because of the register. So just take a deep breath and enjoy the Christmas music. Sometimes it's nice to remember that patience is a virtue and virtues get you to heaven.

Personally, I would say save yourself the headache of what is Black Friday and do all your Christmas shopping on Cyber Monday. Stores have the same, sometimes better, deals online and most, if not all, offer free shipping. I don't know about you but I hate paying for shipping, so if its free then it makes me want to buy more.

Since Thanksgiving has officially passed, all things Christmas are now acceptable. Take that Friday after Thanksgiving to enjoy the company of your loved ones, eat some delicious leftovers and watch some Christmas movies.

But hey, if you like to be in crowded areas and waiting in line all night, then head on over to your local mall. Just remember that the associates are there to help you out so don't be so dismissive of them. Appreciate them and let them help you because that is what they are there to do.