Holiday Heros

Healthcare workers are the real Holiday Heroes. The people who sacrifice so much while others are enjoying time off and celebrating life long traditions. Some may have several days with family and friends while others may be spending most of their days in hospitals and clinics racing around. No matter which category you fall into, balancing life’s demands can be overwhelming. With the right tips, we can all navigate this busy time of year with resilience and holiday cheer. 

1. Plan a head! Those of you driving into work at 5:00 am or getting called in on a Saturday morning after it snowed 5 inches overnight, check the weather forecast the night before, pack your car with warm clothes, blankets, and snacks and give yourself extra time for travel. We don’t always know when the icy patch will hit and cause trouble. This can help keep the holidays less stressful. 

   
   

2. Make a to-do list! Healthcare worker with a full plate, parent with a laundry list of cleaning and shopping, friend with a calendar full of events – keep yourself organized. Your future self will thank you when you aren’t frantically searching for the final gift exchange gift that you forgot about.

   
   

3. Give yourself grace! Everyone is struggling with the stress and hustle and bustle of the holiday season – especially healthcare workers! You showed up for your patients on their worst days and still managed to make the holiday season your family’s best day. That in and of itself is a holiday miracle! So if you’re working late nights, shopping online deals in your 5 minute break, or wrapping presents by the Christmas tree lights until 2:00 am, your friends and family are thankful for you and all the things you do. You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. 

   
   

4. Schedule time for your family! If you are the fortunate one to work on Christmas Day or days leading up to it, plan a specific day to have just for family. This doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day. It just has to be special and filled with the people you love most. If you have young children, this can feel extra heartbreaking to not wake up on Christmas morning seeing the smiling faces with Christmas cheer filling the house. But, that magic can still happen on another day and be just as magical. So as guilty as you may feel, let go of it and make memories with the ones you love. While you are having a holiday that is spent differently than you had hoped, your patients are having their worst Christmas ever. Remember to fill their cup too and make it bright in the midst of their hardest days. You are representing the true magic and meaning of Christmas, so thank you for working when the world is celebrating! 

   1. Pro Tip: If you have little ones at home, write a letter to Santa asking if your family's presents can be delivered early or on a specific day so everyone can celebrate together. The kids will love this and will love a letter back ;) 

1. Fill your cup! This may be after the holidays when the calendar has more open spaces and more time for relaxation. If the calendar doesn’t allow for this, truly fill your cup. Get that peppermint coffee that you have been craving or share Christmas cookies with your co-workers. If you are a healthcare worker or even a caregiver to your own loved ones, take time for yourself. You can care for others fully when you are at your best! 

Your presence is important, but I hope you find time for yourself even in the quiet moments. Give those who need you most compassion and love, and the Christmas magic will follow. 

Comment below how you spent your Christmas. Even better - share a photo!