The biggest shopping season is upon us. As we inch closer and closer to Christmas, malls and stores will become more and more packed with men and women seeking out the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Companies and small businesses have been stocking up on seasonal employees for weeks in order to prepare for the influx of shoppers that are about to make their sales quotas go through the roof. Those employees are there to help each and every one of you find exactly what you’re looking for.

So why do some people feel that it is alright to treat them with anything less than the upmost respect?

It is truly surprising, the things that you see when working retail. I’ve been called stupid for not taking an expired coupon, been yelled at because our store no longer had a dress in a certain size, and lectured about how unnecessary the price of ripped jeans is. Note: I did not make that coupon, or order stock for the store, or price those jeans. I was an employee. I am an employee. And just because my job is to help you does not mean that every slight issue that you have with the brand or the company is my fault alone or the fault of my coworkers.

That employee that you are chastising for something that is out of their control? They are spending time away from their families during the holiday season to ensure that you make your loved one’s day come December 25^th. This season has become so commercialized that we sometimes forget what it is all really for. It’s all about the shopping and the presents and less about the actual message behind Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the spirit of the holidays.

Instead of appreciating being with our loved ones around this time of year, we spend the month leading up to Christmas away from them as we secretly plan their gifts and window shop for ourselves. Employees are also missing out on time with their families to make sure that you are able to get the deals and help that you need this holiday season, as some stores implement holiday hours or have employees work holiday shifts. Thankfully, my mall is closed this Thanksgiving. But there are stores and businesses that are not and I personally would not want to shop anywhere that makes their employees work on two of the most family-oriented holidays of the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are meant to be spent with your families, not your credit cards.

If you’re going out shopping this holiday season, have fun and enjoy yourself, but remember what is really important. Take your mom with you, or a friend. Use that time as a bonding experience and not just a shopping trip. And be kind to the employees whose job it is to assist you in your quest for the perfect gift. Someday, you could be in their shoes and I would hope that, in their case, you would be just as courteous as they can be when dealing with harsh situations.

Let's put the "happy" back in "happy holidays" this year and focus on the best parts of the holiday season, which include the love of your family and that good old Christmas cheer that everyone is always talking about. Be aware, be kind, and most of all have a wonderful holiday season.