Since I know that some people are going to go Black Friday shopping (and maybe even “Brown Thursday” which I will never ever like, I don’t care how you try to justify it to me, stores should be closed on the holiday, period, and that includes opening at midnight because that still means the employees have to work on Thanksgiving, they have to come in and get everything set up) 

Here’s some things I’d like you to keep in mind: 

1.  Be kind to the sales people.  A lot of them are sacrificing time with their family to sell you the things you want.  A lot of them don’t get a choice and are told what shifts they have to work, and have to work them for an incredible amount of hours.  At my old store, every single keyholder is working 12 hours, no matter what.  This is a very exhausting day for them, so please know that they are doing their best.  

2.  It’s not the salesperson’s fault.  It’s not their fault that the lines are so long and you have to sometimes wait half an hour, or longer.  It’s not their fault that they can’t get from behind the counter to help you, because there’s a ridiculous line they have to try and take care of.  And most importantly, it’s not their fault if the store is sold out of the thing you want.  Despite what some people may think, stores don’t come stocked with a million pieces of an item.  It would be nice, yes, if they have enough Wii Us and all that for everyone in the city, but they won’t.  And it’s not their fault.  So please don’t take it out on them.  Don’t yell at them, don’t complain about how long you’ve stood in line, don’t bitch about cutting time into your holiday to stand in line especially since these workers have cut time into their holiday to deal with your yelling.  Chances are, they’ll get more of that item, and you can come back.  And before you ask, no they cannot call another store to have them hold it for you, and that goes for any items on sale.  

This is the first time in seven years that I don’t have to work on Black Friday, and I’m going to enjoy it.  For those of you who have to work that day, just know that I feel for you, I’ve done that dance before, and I understand.