Working in the restaurant industry during the holidays can be both a blessing a curse. It is one of the few times when being a server can really pay off, because there’s no need to play casino slot machines to try and get your bills paid for this month.
That is of course if you’re willing to put up with both the good and the bad…
The Bad
- Large Parties – The holiday season is not complete without, you guessed it, holiday parties. Be prepared to push tables together, clean up wrapping paper and offer coffee for hours after the meal is over.
- Out of Date Diners – Holiday parties can also bring out some people who only go out to eat a few times a year. There’s always a possibility you’ll have the older customer who is trying to use an expired coupon from 1985, while tipping 10% because it was the norm back in the day.
- Separate Checks – When you start putting tables of families and friends together, be prepared for the following situation.
Server: “Hi, can I take your order?”
Customer: “Sure, first off, we’re on separate checks, the two on the end need their bill split, add the lady next to them on mine, the gentlemen across from me is on his own and gets a senior discount, what are the soups today?”
- Working Long Hours – When you’re scheduled during the holidays, its usually a pretty safe bet that you aren’t going to get cut early.
- Not seeing family/friends – This was a huge one for me, and probably the worst part about being a server during the holidays in my opinion. While your friends and family are making plans and getting together, there’s a good change you’ll be working while they’re having their parties. Nothing was worse than carrying a tray of dishes back to the kitchen while looking at the clock and saying “Happy Freakin’ New Years!”
The Good
- Generous tips – Most of the time being a server, getting a great tip from a table can be like playing a game of roulette. Although, you may think your chances are good, sometimes you get shafted. This is usually not the case though during the holidays when 20% tipping becomes the norm, and some choose to go above and beyond that. I know that I always try and tip over 20% during the season because I’ve been in my waiter’s shoe’s before. Pair this seasonal generosity with the increase of business, and servers can feel leave feeling like millionaires after a good night.
- Large Parties – I know this was also listed as a down side, but when you get a nice family who appreciates the work you’re doing, you’ll get a generous tip on top of the gratuity added.
- Nicer People – The Holidays can bring out the best in people, and whether it be the music, booze or presents, a happy customer is the best kind of customer.
What are some of your Holiday Server stories? Let’s hear about them in the comments below.
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actually, most people tip LESS during the holiday season, as they are busy spending extra money buying gifts. Check the other server blogs and you’ll see this is a common gripe for this time of year.
I always made higher tips during the holidays – and know I certainly tip more. Everyone has extra bills in December.
Well said. Time to buckle down and milk the holiday season for all it is worth. My chef and I spent our last slow night playing pranks on the rest of the staff. You can read about our antics in my last blog post…Shenanigans.
This past Christmas Eve, I was the only bartender working both bar and pub tables. I was very bummed because I wasnt able to spend the night getting my 2 year old son hyped about Santa.
Needless to say I wasnt in the best holiday spirit. A couple that sits at my bar at least 3 times a week knew why I was down. They were the second to last couple to leave the bar. After Christmas hugs and greetings, they left. I went to clean their spot at the bar and noticed a holiday card sitting at the bar. When I opened it there were 10, 100 dollar bills inside. On the card it said,”Take a week off to spend with your beautiful son! We love you and appreciate the friendship you have brought into our lives”.
I have never cried at work.I was a sobbing baby. Thank youto all the loyal regulars that make working in a bar tolerable!