If you’ve ever wondered what the festive season looks like from the other side of the till, allow me to pull back the sparkly curtain.

December in retail isn’t just “busy”. It’s a full sensory experience. The beeping scanners, the rustle of carrier bags, the hum of Christmas music looping for the hundredth time, and the steady stream of customers all hunting for that thing. The bargain. The last-minute miracle. The TikTok trend their child suddenly needs right now.

Retail at Christmas, TikTok Lollipops & Surviving the Final Countdown

Working as a store assistant for a popular discount brand at this time of year is not for the faint-hearted. It’s physical, fast-paced, and relentless. We’ve sold out of Christmas trees. The decorations flew off the shelves weeks ago. And yes… we even sold out of the infamous TikTok K-pop musical lollipops. Blink and they’re gone.

Now, as we head into the last full week before Christmas, our store is being hit with extra-large deliveries daily. Cages stacked high. Pallets wheeled out at speed. Shelves replenished as quickly as they’re emptied again. It’s organised chaos, and every member of staff is running on festive adrenaline and caffeine.

Juggling Work, Motherhood & December Expectations

When I clock off, I don’t clock out of responsibility. I head home to mum mode. School runs, Christmas lists, wrapping piles, meals, and the quiet mental load that comes with making Christmas feel magical while holding everything together.

This is the reality for so many of us. Working mums keeping shops running, smiling through sore feet, helping others tick off their festive to-do lists while ours sit half-finished at home.

And yet, there’s something oddly heartwarming about it too. The excitement on children’s faces. The relief of someone finding what they need. The small moments of kindness exchanged between strangers during a stressful season.

Still Need Last-Minute Bits? I’ve Got You

If you’re still searching for bargains, last-minute gifts, party supplies, or everyday essentials, I completely get it. Life doesn’t slow down just because it’s Christmas week.

That’s why I’m genuinely pleased to share my new affiliate partner FabFinds. It’s the kind of online store that understands real households and real budgets.

Whether you’re looking for:

• Cleaning products
• Beauty essentials
• Home and garden items
• Pet care solutions
• Food cupboard fillers

You can find it all with just a click of a finger, without battling the crowds or squeezing down packed aisles.

✨ Exclusive FabFinds Offers:

• Get 10% off your first order with code: WELCOME10
• Enjoy free shipping on orders over £25 with code: FREESHIP25

👉 Shop here

A Gentle Reminder for Fellow Mums

If this week feels overwhelming, you’re not failing. You’re doing your best in a season that asks a lot of us. Whether you’re working in retail, healthcare, schools, offices, or holding the fort at home, your effort matters.

Be kind to yourself. Cut corners where you need to. Order online if it helps. And remember that Christmas doesn’t need perfection to be meaningful.

From one tired-but-trying mum to another, you’ve got this 💚

Happy Mummy Monday,
Catherine ✨

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE short story from the Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green. Click here. 

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!