I had the most rewarding experience working for Gap as a seasonal sales associate last winter. It was my first time working in retail, and I admit I was a nervous wreck. I didn't know how I was going to be outgoing enough to excite customers about Gap's current trends and winter clothes. On my first day, I wasn't sure how to approach customers. I didn't want to be that sales associate that seemed way too excited about my job and wouldn't leave the customer alone. And I also didn't want to be the sales associate that was awkward and didn't help any customers. After my first week, I started getting in the groove. It didn't take long for me to learn the layout of the store and I was helping customers left and right. I started working at Gap at the beginning of October and was nervous for the dreaded holidays to start.

For retail stores, the holiday season is the most important. This is the time where stores make the most money. But working retail during the holidays has a negative connotation associated with it. That time of year has a reputation for having crazy holiday shoppers, long work hours, and of course, Black Friday. Even though I was extremely nervous to work at Gap during the season, it ended up being the best experience and my favorite job thus far.

One major plus working holiday hours is the long hours and high pay. You're probably wondering why working longer hours is a good thing, but during Christmas break, when there is no school, working longer hours is a blessing. And with retail, the hours go by quickly because you are always on your feet doing something. Sometimes, retail stores are even willing to raise your salary if you work on the holidays! Last winter I made $13.50 an hour working on Black Friday.

If you're like me and absolutely love everything about the holiday season then you really should consider working in retail during the season. I got to see the mall I worked in transform itself into a Christmas wonderland.

I also got to give my input on how Gap should look for the winter season. We got to add a little Christmas flair to the store and there was nothing I loved more than seeing the store transform. Another plus is a lot of retail stores will even start to play Christmas music when the holidays are getting closer.

Let's not forget one of the most important things about working retail during the holiday season; the discounts! For any retail store there will be an employee discount. Luckily for me, I had 50 percent off all merchandise and 25 percent off all sale items. Not only will you be able to save a ton of money on cute sweaters and winter clothes, you will be able to buy gifts for your friends at a low cost. A lot of my friends and family got presents from Gap that year.

Even though the hours sometimes felt long and the dressing rooms never seemed clean, I have only fond memories of working in retail during the holidays. I am excited to be working at another retail store this winter and I can't wait to see what experiences it brings me. Retail stores are hiring now for either seasonal help or year round help, so you should definitely check out your local mall or shopping center to apply!