With the Holidays in full swing, it seems to be that everyone has one common goal: shop, shop, shop! Nevertheless, each and every year, one recurring debate regards the treatment of the seller, rather than the shopper. Individuals far and wide debate as to whether or not companies should remain open during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Conflicting ideas of family time versus excess revenue clash as companies decide for themselves which is more important.

Well-known companies who have locations in Yorba Linda, such as Home Depot and Costco, chose to treat their employees with the warm-heartedness that the season invokes. They argue that despite the chance of excess revenue that holiday shoppers could bring in, promoting ideals of family time is more important. These employees work hard year round, and they all deserve the time to cuddle up on their couch and watch Elf with their family in front of their fireplace. Everyone needs time off, and everyone gets what they need; that is, at least, in the eyes of companies who do not remain open during the Holidays.

Other companies, on the other hand, believe that remaining open during the Holidays is not only beneficial for financial reasons, but also for the benefits of the employees. For instance, many companies make days such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s completely optional and even offer bonuses for those who offer to work. Thus, if an employee wants to spend the day with his or her family, then he or she can do so. If an employee wants to make a little extra cash in order to be able to check off everyone’s name on his or her Christmas shopping list, then he or she can do so as well. Everyone wants time off, but not everyone gets what they want; that is, at least, in the eyes of companies who remain open during the Holidays.

Countless high schoolers at Yorba Linda High School have jobs; therefore, it is important to understand their viewpoints on such a debate. Remy Ickes (10), who works at Wise Guys Pizzeria in Yorba Linda, took her stand by arguing, “For younger employees like me, we are obviously going to be spending the Holidays with our parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins. But for older employees, sometimes it takes sacrifice to be able to support a family of their own.”

Without a doubt, it is easy to get carried away by the commercialization of the Holidays. It is all about shopping, shopping, shopping! However, with a mere “Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”, it is hard to forget those who spend countless hours behind a cash register or a desk, making sure that we have a roof over our heads, a feast on our tables, and yes, presents under our trees. Whether remaining open on the Holidays is good or bad, employees must never be forgotten during the best time of the year.