Re: Kosher bakeries and holiday “stuff” : You know what – I have sometimes seen gingerbread houses (with magen dovids, menorahs, and dreidels decorating them) in my locla kosher bakery, and I personally was taken aback. Yes, this MO Jew was taken aback. I thought it was inappropriate, and mamesh chukas hagoyim to have such a thing. We are not missing anything by not having this type of confection.
I am sufficiently comfortable to be happy to take advantage of a seasonal day off, because it was my employer’s choice to close up shop for that day. I would not ask or expect to have a day off, were I employed by someone who was open on December 25th, but what is it my business if my boss wants to pay me for being home on that day?