I'll be enjoying a coffee or two at Starbucks on Christmas Day; will you?

Or will you be working there? In past years, I've frequented Starbucks stores in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and New York City on Christmas Day, and they were always packed. ...and customers seemed to tip well. What are your Christmas plans? || Jump to the second page of comments.

Comments

[baristamclane]

I am pleased to say, that this year, I will NOT be working Christmas Day!

[Jeff Tom]

And I can say for the first time in at least 5 years, I will NOT be at a Starbucks this Xmas.

[Bart]

In my district, only partners who volunteer work on Christmas.

[AgedSumatra]

I'm working at my old store Christmas day, and I can't wait. It's my third Christmas in a row working at Starbucks.

[latteteadah]

Neither frequenting nor working - but I appreciate that there are SB's that stay open. As long as it's voluntary for the people working, why should it be any kind of issue? I would have liked to have had a Starbucks open when I worked in France years ago - even friends tend to stick to family on the actual day, my family was back in the states. Still got to see A Christmas Story on tv, but didn't feel like a holiday. Stopping in at a cafe would have marked the day in some way. Enjoy - whether working or celebrating!

[Black Apron Boy]

Anyone excited for French Roast Via? In my district, I am working till 7pm on XMAS. I was asked to work at a store open until 11:30pm on xmas. I don't think that's reasonable at all. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I don't feel stores should be open until midnight. People need to go home and see their families.

[James Connolly]

Eve and Day off, by some miracle, and I won't be hanging around the stores that are open in the area either. I've got a staggering quantity of tobacco and a fifth of fine whiskey that won't live to see the 26th.

[I.Heart.Spirit]

Closing Christmas Eve and working open to close on Christmas.

WOO!

[newbie no more (was sbuxnewbie)]

Only 3 stores in my district open, and they had enough people to work, so sadly, I won't be working on the 25th. I've worked the 25th in every job I've ever had as an adult, so this is kind of a letdown.

So instead, I'll be a customer in at least one of the stores.

Andno, I don't subscribe to the "people should be with their families" theory; there are enough dysfunctional families out there that domestic violence increases on holidays (direct observation in a prior career), and even for functional families, the feeling of obligation that holidays can bring is often mind-numbing and creates a reverse separation anxiety amongst family members who aren't often in physical proximity for extended periods.

I prefer having going to work - I like the environment, I enjoy the majority of my customers, and sometimes I'm the only conversation some folks have, thus bringing human contact to people who can't stand/don't like interaction with large groups.

Since I can't work, I've got a pile of books to read, and I look forward to opening on the 2th.

[newbie no more (was sbuxnewbie)]

wow - I need to proofread before posting...

"I prefer having going to work" should read "I prefer having work to go to", and "opening on the 2th" should read "opening on the 26th".

[Venti Urnex Latte]

Typically, our morning starts off very slow, but it starts getting crowded in midafternoon and remains very crowded throughout the evening.

[hmpht]

Support your local barista, don't go in! They should be able to spend the day with their family too!

Oh yes, those that work "volunteered" - had to pick 3 of 5 holiday days to work (thanksgiving, xmas eve, xmas day, new years eve, new years day)- love the mandatory volunteering.

[I.Heart.Spirit]

Umm, please support your barista by going in so it's not a waste try volunteered to work!

[R1]

I'm off and I never go to my own Starbucks unless I'm working. I figure I spend enough time there already. This year for the first time it really was voluntary. People even got to decide what hours they would like to work. SM said if not enough people signed up we would be closed or adjust hours accordingly. It was great to see someone doing something positive for partners for a change.

[12345678]

I definitely will NOT be enjoying a coffee at Starbucks christmas day, or working there. Thank you baby Jesus!

[Coffee Ninja]

HAHAH! "Volunteer" my butt! In my district we are FORCED to stay open regular buisness hours (yeah as in till 10:30pm). I don't have a choice if I still want a job in the new year. I'm working Christmas, New Years Eve, New Years Day... oh and did I mention that I also worked on 4th of July and Thanksgiving? Wish I would have someone volunteer to take my shift.

[jenniferbarista's]

Our store is lucky, we're only opened for Xmas eve til 2 and then closed Xmas day!

I know there are those that don't celebrate, and those that would like to go to work and all that jazz but I personally feel that everything should be closed. Everyone has some place to go whether it be friends or family. I think its horrible that places stay open.

[latteteadah]

@newbie - I get your point, but do you really, honestly think that keeping a retail store open on a particular day is going to save someone/some family from abuse if they're around it 364 other days of the year? That's not about the holiday, that's about society. I don't think anyone's saying they should "be with family" if family is dysfunctional - but no one should be forced to work on a federal holiday unless they're life-essential - medical, public transport. Totally different if they willfully choose to work that day, but mandated to serve coffee? Nope.
Cheers to the baristas and the customers who enjoy it - and cheers to the ones who enjoy staying out of the stores - neither are right or wrong.

[Mika]

Won't any of you be studying to learn the new 2011 drinks? (Okay, I'm actually just wondering if there are any...)

BTW, Happy Holidays to the Sbux employees who have continued to be friendly and helpful thru the holiday season. I've been tipping extra and truly appreciate y'all! I hope you don't spend the entire holiday working and if you do, I hope customers are generous or at least cordial. You deserve it!

[usorthem3]

Fourth year working Christmas, were are the only store open in our area for 10+ miles so it's going to be busy. Yea! It's a Saturday at work that happens to fall on a holiday. People spend holidays in every fashion, some work, some are off, some like it and some don't. Not all folks celebrate religious events. The customers that say to me on this day, "I can't believe SBUX makes you be open today". I respond, Your here so I need to be. I'm betting 100+transactions @ hour for the 12 that we are open. Let's see what tips are this year, last couple have been down but there's $$$ again in Southlake so we shall see.
Having worked in hotels for years that never close, it becomes part of your life and you roll with it. The whole world can not shut down for a day, it doesn't work like that. I remember last year one of my customers sending her kids to the store with a complete Xmas dinner plate just for me. My stocking at work is overflowing so I'll just nosh my lunch that day and check out what I got from my friends and customers. Happy Holidays to all. 2011 here we come.

[....doppio....]

I'm tired of reading comments that say "everyone has somewhere to be" I don't celebrate Christmas and I live in a different state than my family. So no, not EVERYONE has a special place to go. I MUCH rather work and make amazing tips. Plus at my store, if you're working that day its because you volunteered.
On a side note, who else is dreading the phone calls that will be pouring in asking "are you open today/what are your hours today?"

[hearbutloud]

Thankfully, not working this year... but bringing treats and a tip to those who are (mostly because I looked at the schedule and they will be GROSSLY understaffed that day!).

[karldotcom]

I was going to say, I bet there are a lot of people that will hit up Starbucks on Christmas...I have heard of a couple of stores in LA that are open....drive thrus....and the busy one in Santa Clarita has partners from the District staffing it with 4 hour shifts.

[mornbecomes]

My store is also super understaffed- only four-man coverage for an 8.5 hour day. Same hours on Thanksgiving and we did $3400, so yeah, a bit worried about coverage.

[Starbucks Customer]

The Starbucks I visit is closed. A sign in the store shows that the next closest location opened for Christmas is about 2 hours away.

[seriously]

Our Christmas tips were stolen! Sigh

[Ricardo McJiggis]

Will try to attend church Xmas day....at St.Arbucks.

Right on , bro!

[Black Apron Boy]

New drinks for winter- French Roast Via, Skinny Caramel (SKCM & Iced SKCM) Macchiatto, Casi Cielo, and Tall Brewed Coffee.. Nothing new except, the via and some retail. Oh, a veggie egg fritata sandwich

[Coffee Drinker]

My family has passed away, not "everyone has family..." Furthermore, I live in a new area, and yes I have friends, but not old, familiar friends. Not everyone has a place to go around people. Whoever said that is very young I think.

Furthermore, domestic violence DOES increase around holidays. I know this from personal experience, both in my own (now departed) family, and from volunteering during holidays with shelters, meals, and such.

Even in so-called functional families, because of the stress, the drinking, the inevitable arguments over protolcals and hurt feelings--people break down. Whoever said that isn't so might consider volunteering in any social justice cause available to them, even for 10 hours.

Does this all mean SBUX should stay open? Of course not!

I can only say that when I've lived in larger cities than I do now, where I could find a Starbucks, it was always a welcome haven. The local one is closed today, and as they're a small crew, I'm happy for them; they all have family from what they've said. But if they were open, I would have gone there after church.

Thank you those who volunteer and who like to work holidays; I've appreciated it over the years. It's a wonderful positive energy to go out for that divine brew on a holiday.

Merry Christmas.

[A Customer]

If you are getting paid; and paid time and half at that how is it volunteer?

[R1]

It's not volunteer as in volunteering to do it for free, good lord, no freaking way. This is Starbucks we're talking about. It is voluntary whether you are going to work or take it off. In other words, they couldn't force us to work. And I for one, am enjoying a quiet day at home with snow, Christmas tunes, two doggies and a cat. I love it.

[da bomb biggity]

Worked open til close today and we were over staffed in our area...Let people go home early and all went very well. Tips were quite nice today...only store open in our upstate ny region...binghamton...had fun...

[RememberTheOldDays?]

I have nothing against stores being open for people who want to work on Christmas! I feel everyone should have the OPTION of not working and doing whatever else they want to do on certain holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day). I don't think anyone should be forced into serving coffee or any other job that isn't life saving or necessary for society to function! The US has become SO used to stores being 24/7 that closing one day or even just earlier than normal is viewed with such shock anymore! I can't believe it! When I was in Europe things were MUCH different...

[I.Heart.Spirit]

Also worked open to close, but understaffed... Still loved every second.

Now I'm home watching my Lost Complete Series Boxset I got for Christmas enjoying an iced soy chai. Wonderful day!

[Waltie]

"I don't think anyone should be forced into serving coffee or any other job that isn't life saving or necessary for society to function! "

We're not talking about slave labor here. Nobody is forced to work on Christmas. Somebody simply choose to have jobs that require such a thing. It's a job. Almost all jobs require certain sacrifices from employees. Otherwise, why would we get paid to come in to work?

[RememberTheOldDays?]

You say you're not forced...but with this economy losing your job doesn't make it very easy to find another one! This company rules with an iron fist now-a-days, high unemployment rates make people scared to lose their jobs and if you don't want to work every single holiday out of the year, that's fine, they'll "separate you" and find some poor schmuck who'll be too afraid to say "No".

I agree that people who get into professions such as Doctors, Nurses, Police Officers, Fire Fighters...etc have made their decision and accept that their job MUST be done regardless of the time of the day or day of the year...I just feel it's a flaw in our culture that business have continually cut back on the amount of time they are closed (both in a day and over the year). It just boggles my mind the type of attitudes this "Open 24/7/365" culture is creating.

[usorthem3]

My store did 1750 beverages in the 12 hours we were open. It was a a good day with a few times that there was a line out the door but most of the day was just constant customers. Can't wait to see what tips turn out to be for the day. The economy really effected the last couple of years on tips but it seems that at least in our city that things are getting back to normal addiction.
Thanks to all my customers that gave me special recognition in my stocking. Candy, cash, & toys. Pure kids joy.

[momnan]

Thank you to our local Starbucks in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin who provided us with legendary service this Christmas Eve morning when we woke up to a broken coffee maker. They were friendly, conversational and as always, professional about their business.If you could have been home with family, we would have survived and been happy for you, but not gonna lie, that carmel macchiato was the bright spot of my day. Thanks again!

[SQR]

My store is open everyday of the year and my manager makes all holidays volunteer. we do not have to work them if we do not want to. The ones who were there yesterday really wanted the money. They enjoyed it. Stop hating.

[Waltie]

"It just boggles my mind the type of attitudes this "Open 24/7/365" culture is creating. "

It boggles my mind that people who observe a certain holiday think that everybody should be forced to stay home on that holiday. I like to work on Christmas, and when I'm not, I like that places stay open in case I want to go out. It doesn't make me a crazy consumer. It just makes me a normal person. Get over yourself.

[latteteadah]

@waltie - you're getting confused. No one is saying people should stay home - but places of business that are not life-essential shouldn't be forced to stay open for the whim of the general public on national holidays. If you want to be out and about - that's your business - but don't have the nerve to then expect that the local convenience store should be open when you get a jones for a candy bar for 30 seconds out of the day. That's consumerism run amok. Completely different story if the clerk at the convenience store volunteers to stand behind the counter for 8 hours to be there when you decide to waltz in to purchase the aforementioned candy bar.
Holidays aren't always about what you personally wish to do - sometimes it's about self-restraint - so that the clerk can have the freedom to do what they wish also, whether that means sleeping in, being with family, going snowshoeing, catching a tv marathon alone, whatever it happens to be. As it happens now, because people insist on places being open to meet the whim of the public who have the day off - many workers aren't given the choice. Who are you, us, to insist that they not have the choice to stay home or do what they want, when you yourself are given the choice? That's what some people are trying to get the rest of you to understand. It's not about how you spend your free time, it's about having that free time to begin with.

[Waltie]

"but places of business that are not life-essential shouldn't be forced to stay open for the whim of the general public on national holidays."

That's the very definition of retail. If you don't want to face the possibility of working on a holiday, don't get a job at a company that has always been open 365 days a year. Like other people have said, this is not slave labor we're talking about. This is a job where people get paid to provide a service for a company. Nobody is forced to do anything... they are simply expected to do the job they are paid to do.

This has nothing to do with consumerism run amok. This is simply a smart business decision. Christmas is always busy at every Starbucks I've worked at. Why should they be closed when so many people want us to be open? All things considered, Starbucks staffs their holidays in the most fair way possible. If you really don't want to work on Christmas, it's extremely unlikely that you will be unable to request it off.

[Hipsterdufus]

every year the company sends out sheets to have 'volunteers' sign up for christmas. There is no 'pressure' to work on the holiday. Infact everywhere I have ever worked there is a SURPLUS of labor to work the holiday and I have to not schedule people who wanted to work.

If your manager is pressuring you, realize that you have a black sheep of a manager and they need to be dealt with otherwise.

But the company as a whole does not force people to work on the holiday.

This is absurd.

I DON'T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, NOT EVEN IN A SECULAR WAY. THOSE OF YOU THAT THINK EVERYONE NEEDS TO STAY HOME ON DECEMBER 25TH NEED TO STEP INTO SOME OTHER PEOPLE'S SHOES FOR A SECOND!!

[Waltie]

And let's not forget the fact that Starbucks pays time and a half for holidays, and even lets baristas and shifts split tips on certain days. Most stores where I've worked split the tips for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

So, yeah, some people might have to work on holidays, but it's hard to say that the company isn't rewarding those who do.

[Jazzhands]

This is really just repeating the general debate a bit, but did anyone not know when they were hired that Starbucks is open 365 days a year? I'm not saying it is easy to get a job, and maybe you are only working at Starbucks until something better comes along, but the first thing my SM said when she offered me the job was that we are open 365 days a year, and it is very likely I'll wind up having to work at least one, if not multiple holidays.
On the bright side, for me at least, my family and my SM are understanding, and I was able to schedule my day so that I worked in the morning, and had dinner with family instead of lunch.
The same was true of everyone else who worked the 25th at our store, they either celebrated at a different time of the day, or they celebrated on the 24th or 26th.
Not everyone has to celebrate, but for those who wanted to and also wanted some time and a half, it didn't seem to be too difficult to work everything out.

[Argentius]

This former partner volunteered for a four-hour shift on Christmas for the two seasons he worked. Time-and-a-half, and tips / holiday gifts nearly equalling pay in a fun environment made it fulfilling.

The only day, the ONLY day, that, for the most part, customers were warm, kind, and pleasant.

This year, I visited the SBUX local to my parents on the 24th to bring a treat to family members, and made sure to reward the employees there.

I suppose this made them more inclined to both re-make, and recovery certificate, the 1 of 4 beverages I requested that had a mistake.

Cheers!

[Red cup]

There are 2 arguments going here, 1. This is a 365 business. Some stores are not so your saying I should ask in my interview if my store will be open on christmas when its june? Not a good question to ask. 2 people volunteer so no one is forced to work. Waltie have you called all 14000 stores and check that no one is forced to work all im saying is stores should close so no ONE is forced to work, if you want to work christmas work in a hospital.

[thinkbeforetyping]

Don't question Waltie. We all know he's god.

[Siberiabux]

I don't always agree with Waltie, but he's right, it's retail, it's within the job expectation. Partners have the ability to request days of if they are important to them, whether it be a national holiday or their birthday or a kids recital. However, it is just a request. Yes the consumer nature of America and the 24/7/365 culture can sound a bit absurd, but that doesn't mean that all "non-essential" business should stop simply because certain days are important to certain people. People would be very upset if their toilet was clogged and couldn't buy a plunger, or got locked out and couldn't get a locksmith, or in, the simplest of terms, wanted a caramel macchiatto and Starbucks was closed. Being "essential",even if only for a moment, is a large part of Starbucks and any other business. If you don't like it, stay home.

[Hipsterdufus]

It's perfectly acceptable to ask in your interview if the store is open on holidays and what the expectation is around that.

It's ignorant to purposly not learn that the store is open and what the expectations are and then get angry because you are still going to be held to those expectations.

That being said, Managers tell new hires in the phone interview, interview, and first impressions (at least one of those occassions) what the work policy is.

But again, not many people are 'forced' to work this holiday. I'd venture to say it is in the single percents, if that. If you are scheduled to work it even though you don't want to and have spoken to your manager about it, if all else fails call out! You won't get fired for calling out once.

But again this whole idea that stores should be closed so that no one is 'forced' to work is ridiculous. Most disctricts have at least, at least!, 100 partners. Most districts close at least a few stores on holidays, that gives you a wealth of people to work on a holiday if you don't want to.

There are sooo many options if you have a bad manager who 'forces' you to work.