No matter the location of Holiday shopping, work in the retail business is about the same everywhere. High alerts are raised to remember every coupon and promo that is coming out, constant re-stocking and inventory is checked with all merchandise, and the eternal “If it doesn’t scan, it must be free!” joke will be made by a customer before the end of the week. Retail stores across the nation can relate to these routines, and they will certainly be able to tell you which season is the most dreaded; the merry, merry Christmas.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, approximately 69% of Americans will have an increase of stress level during the holidays (“Surviving the Stresses of the Holiday Season: A Guide.” Holiday Stress. Web. 16 Dec. 2015). This adds up from a number of factors; lack of money, deadlines, and just shopping in general, can create a massive headache.

The media also puts great pressure on society to be happy during the holidays. You have to have a good time while keeping everyone else pleased, as well. It’s not a mystery why people can become easily cross when faced with stress. It’s that stress that carries on from customers to employees, who easily misinterpret it as unnecessary anger.

“We don’t carry that,” “We’re out of stock on that item,” and “We can’t allow this return,” are all phrases that can commonly start a shopping quarrel. The build up of anxiety because of the holidays doesn’t react well to these responses and its human nature to lash out. Of course, customers aren’t angry with the employees; they’re angry about the situation.

This is why it’s important to not get caught up in the rush of the season and stop working so hard to be happy. As said by Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street “You see, Mrs. Walker, this is quite an opportunity for me. For the past 50 years or so I’ve been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we’re all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle”

With the Holidays around the corner, the true meaning seems to disappear with the overall stress levels of finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Are the holidays really about buying happiness and finding the best bargain or is it about giving thanks and appreciating what already is right in front of you?