Ahh, the holidays...

The most wonderful time of year (unless you’re a retail worker)! Even though the holiday season is filled with joy and happiness, it is a time also filled with stress and madness. Parking lots become battlefields and people turn into savages doing anything and everything to get that perfect gift at that amazing price.

As the holidays are fast approaching, it only seemed fitting to compile a list of the do’s and the don'ts every person should follow this holiday season.

1. DO have patience and understand things will take longer

I grew up next to a mall, like literally down the street. So doing anything around the holidays took 10x longer to do. The best way to cope with this is to just go with the flow and understand that ‘running’ to the store ‘real quick’ is not going to be quick OR timely, not with this traffic or these lines, sorry.

2. DON’T be a jerk to retail employees

They are working long, long shifts on their feet that consist of lots of folding/organizing/restocking so you can find everything you need and want as efficiently as possible, angry on edge managers giving them tons of crap for not being Superman (or woman), and providing effective customer service. So DO NOT be a jerk to them.

It is not their fault for the prices or being out of stock of that one item you need, and they are truly trying their best. If you think you’re stressed, imagine having to deal with what they do on top of your other obligations and still find time for their health and do their own shopping.

3. DO use your manners and common courtesy

It’s the season of giving, the season of joy. Say thank you, say excuse me, you’re welcome. Hold the door for others, keep down the road rage, be kind to people.

Remember, Santa’s always watching! Plus, just don’t be a jerk, the world is too jolly for that kind of negativity.

4. DON’T be that person

*Employee can’t help with X request* “Can I speak to a manager?” or “This is ridiculous I will not take this kind of treatment!” *Employee reads back the transaction total* “Why is this SO expensive” and/or “Can I have an extra discount?” “Oh don’t clean that up, that’s what they get paid for” aka, Don’t be selfish. The world does not revolve around you.

5. DO be safe

Whether you’re on the road or in the stores, BE SAFE. Stay alert to your surroundings at all times. Make sure to keep your vehicles locked, use the buddy system while shopping and always use caution, never let your guard down. The holidays can bring out the best and worst for everybody.

6. DON’T wait until the last minute

Its rushed enough when you don't wait until the last minute, so just don't give yourself that kind of stress. Start early, scope out the deals ahead of time, budget out your gifts, make a dent in the x-mas list early so you can save the last minute curled up by the tree watching movies with your family and waiting for Santa, not frantically running against the early mall closing times for that one last thing.

7. DO have a Happy Holiday!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza etc.., please have a safe and happy holiday and a wonderful New Year. GeT fEsTiVe!