Open or closed?

Debi

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There was a time in my life when all stores were closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. All day. No early bird special shopping promos and no stores opening up at 5 PM to get the best buy!
So...my question is:

SHOULD STORES BE CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS SO THAT STAFF CAN BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES?
 
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I've got mixed feelings on this one. While I hate the idea of people having to work on a holiday when they would rather be spending time with their family, I also know that there are people who would rather work that day for a wide variety of personal reasons. I remember having a job when I was younger and out on my own away from family where I had to work on holidays. I didn't really have anywhere I needed to be and I got paid more for working those days, especially because being short staffed meant overtime. Given the choice between getting $18 an hour or going to an empty home with nobody around it wasn't a hard decision.
 
I've got mixed feelings on this one. While I hate the idea of people having to work on a holiday when they would rather be spending time with their family, I also know that there are people who would rather work that day for a wide variety of personal reasons. I remember having a job when I was younger and out on my own away from family where I had to work on holidays. I didn't really have anywhere I needed to be and I got paid more for working those days, especially because being short staffed meant overtime. Given the choice between getting $18 an hour or going to an empty home with nobody around it wasn't a hard decision.
I had a similar situation when I was in college where I worked as a dorm desk clerk. Since I lived only a hour away, I did get to go home long enough to eat Thanksgiving dinner. I was gone for about six hours. Over that five day period, I made more money than I made in a month and a half and got caught up on homework and studying.
 
I think they should be closed but I doubt the retail people would agree. We get triple time over here on Christmas day which is around $80 dollars an hour for my daughter who works in it.
 
I don't have any sympathy for retail workers in light of what I had to do.
On Christmas morning it was an unseasonably warm 50 degrees. Dad made me cut the grass.
 
I believe in the principle of, "Let's see who wants to work during the holidays, and if there are not enough volunteers, then we will close." approach. It is a win-win for workers who want hours, and store owners who want to open but respect their employees.

Unfortunately, it is not like this in the real world, I know......