Assistant Photo Editor

It is now November, which means that the biggest holiday season of the year is among us. It’s the time of year when families and friends get together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. The time of year when cheer is at an all time high. Some people do not get the privilege to enjoy the holidays or like me, have grown apathetic.
I have a part-time job during the school year. When it is time for the holiday season, I usually am required to work. I have had to work every holiday at least once for the past two years and because of this I have grown unmoved towards the holiday cheer.  We all have some sort of financial struggle or we just want a little extra cash, which is why we usually don’t have a say when we are required to work the holidays. I usually would get off of work too late to do anything or would tend to miss out on my family and friends’ holiday plans. Missing out on festivities is unfair.
During the school year students work hard, so they deserve a break. Students go through tests, essays, projects, presentations, and many other assignments. It can be stressful and many of us look forward to those winter and summer breaks.
During those breaks, students gain back their peace and have the chance to get together with their loved ones. It is their chance to enjoy themselves before having to go back to school, especially on holidays. If they are forced to work during their breaks, they don’t get that opportunity to refresh themselves.
Another important reason, it is unfair to work on holidays because it may interfere with students’ faith and religious beliefs. Christmas is a holiday that carries a special meaning for the Christian community. It is the most important day of the year for us. It is a time to be thankful and reflect on the past year. It is a time of worship. There are some people who may ask for that day off specifically because it contradicts their beliefs to work on Christmas. However, some businesses and companies still require all employees to work or else their hours will be cut. At my job we are not allowed to ask for any of the major holidays off. Christmas used to be my favorite holiday but after being forced to work and cancel out all other plans, I grew apathetic towards the Christmas cheer.
End of the year holidays should be enjoyed by all, and people should not be forced to work them.