I go so far as to get all involved parties together and discuss to see who has the greatest need.
Fun fact i have built a team that respects each other enough that I have never once had to deny a holiday.
Which one is it, bro?
And where the hell do you live, where people refer to leave/vacation/time off as a holiday?
Btw, once you get out of minor leagues, you're realize you'll need an actual company policy for things, including vacation. With rules that aren't subjective to your opinion on what the greatest need is. You know, normal proper company things, like using either seniority, or date the time off request was submitted.
A server can easily work 4-5 tables an hour. Assuming average bill of $50 per table, and average of 10% tips, that's $20-25 per hour. That average is most likely higher because of people like you who feel guilty and use the suggested tips lol.