Holidays are supposed to be all about festive cheer, family gatherings, and decking the halls. But if you’re a nurse, your holiday season might look a little different—think IVs instead of eggnog and patients instead of presents. So, how do you survive the madness of holiday shifts while still managing to get a taste of the season’s joys? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into some strategies that’ll help you keep the holiday spirit alive without losing your sanity.
Embrace the Chaos: Holiday Shifts with Style
Let’s face it—working during the holidays is part of the nurse life. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Here’s how to inject a little holiday cheer into your shifts:
Deck the Halls (of the Hospital)
- Mini Trees & Twinkling Lights: Transform your nurse’s station into a winter wonderland with a mini Christmas tree or string lights. Patients will appreciate the extra touch, and it’ll brighten up your work environment.
- Holiday Scrubs: Rock those Rudolph or snowflake scrubs. They’re not just for looking festive—they’re conversation starters. Patients and coworkers alike will get a kick out of them, and who knows, it might even score you some extra holiday treats from the patient’s family.
- Break Room Winter Wonderland: Get your team to pitch in and make the break room a cozy escape. Hot cocoa station, anyone?
Festive Wear: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Stylish and Tacky
- Holiday-Themed Accessories: Swap out your usual badge reel for one with a festive flair, or add a holiday pin to your scrub top. It’s the little things that can make a shift feel special.
- Comfort First: While it’s tempting to go all out with the holiday gear, remember that you’ve got a 12-hour shift to get through. Those jingle-bell earrings might be cute, but are they still cute at hour ten when they’re ringing in your ears nonstop? Stick with comfortable, practical items that won’t drive you bonkers.
Secret Santa or “Santa Shifts” Exchange
- Lighten the Load: Organize a Secret Santa with your coworkers where the gifts are shift-friendly—think travel-sized hand sanitizers, cute pens, or coffee gift cards. This adds some festive fun to your shift without requiring too much effort or money.
- Santa Shifts: Instead of traditional gift-giving, consider swapping shifts as gifts. You cover someone’s shift on Christmas Eve, they take your New Year’s Day—everybody wins.
Celebrating with Your Work Family
Let’s be real—sometimes, your work family is the only family you get to see during the holidays. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, it can be pretty awesome if you play your cards right.
Potluck Power: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
- Shift-Friendly Recipes: Potlucks are a lifesaver during holiday shifts. Encourage everyone to bring in something easy and quick to make—think crockpot dishes, finger foods, or even those “just add water” cookie kits.
- No Bake? No Problem: For those of us with zero kitchen skills, consider bringing pre-packaged snacks or ordering a holiday-themed pizza. Your coworkers will thank you for the carbs.
Holiday Playlist: Music to Get You Through the Madness
- Mix It Up: Create a playlist that’s half holiday classics, half energizing tunes. We’re talking Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” one minute, and Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” the next.
- Share the Love: Load up a shared Spotify playlist where everyone on your shift can add their favorite songs. You’ll be surprised at the variety and how much it can lift spirits during a long shift.
Shared Traditions: Making New Memories
- Gingerbread House Competition: Bring in a couple of gingerbread house kits and let the competition begin during your breaks. It’s a great way to de-stress and bond with your team.
- Ugly Sweater Day: Declare a day for ugly holiday sweaters and turn it into a contest. Winner gets bragging rights, and maybe a little something from the hospital gift shop.
Memorable Moments: Finding Joy in the Little Things
- Patient Stories: The holidays can bring out the best in people. Keep an ear out for patients’ holiday stories or memories—they can bring a smile to your face and remind you why you do what you do.
- Unexpected Joy: Sometimes, it’s the little things—like a thank-you card from a patient’s family or a surprise tray of cookies—that can make your holiday shift memorable.
Maximizing Family Time Around the Shift Schedule
Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you have to miss out on celebrating with your family. It just requires a little creativity and a lot of caffeine.
Quality Over Quantity: Making Every Moment Count
- Small Moments, Big Impact: Focus on creating quality moments with your loved ones, even if it’s just a quick breakfast or a late-night chat. The time might be short, but it can still be meaningful.
- Holiday Breakfast: If you’re on a night shift, celebrate with a holiday-themed breakfast after you get off. Pancakes with red and green sprinkles, anyone?
Holiday Hacks for Nurses
- Shift-Swap Strategies: If your schedule allows, consider swapping shifts to align with key holiday moments. Just be sure to get those swaps approved in advance so there are no last-minute surprises.
- Time Management Magic: Plan out your day so you can sneak in holiday activities between shifts. Maybe you do a “holiday brunch” instead of dinner, or set up a mini gift exchange right before your shift.
- Virtual Celebrations: Can’t be there in person? Set up a video call and have a virtual holiday celebration. Add some festive background music, wear your holiday scrubs, and toast with a cup of hospital coffee.
Holiday Tradition Tweaks: Flexibility Is Key
- Celebrating “Off-Peak”: If you’re working on Christmas Day, shift the celebration to a day off. There’s no rule that says Christmas has to be celebrated on December 25th—celebrate on the 27th if that’s what works!
- Mini Traditions: Start small, manageable traditions that you can look forward to no matter your schedule. Maybe it’s watching a holiday movie after your shift or enjoying a holiday-themed treat.
Keeping the Holiday Spirit Alive—Even in a Crisis
The holidays aren’t always easy, especially when you’re juggling the emotional toll of work with the disappointment of missing out on personal celebrations. Here’s how to keep your spirits up, even when things get tough.
Compassion Fatigue & Holiday Blues: Acknowledging the Struggle
- It’s Okay to Feel Down: Recognize that it’s normal to feel a bit blue during the holidays, especially when you’re dealing with tough cases at work. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not feeling 100% jolly.
- Talk It Out: Sometimes, the best medicine is talking with your coworkers who are going through the same thing. Venting over a cup of (probably cold) coffee can do wonders for your mood.
Self-Care Strategies: Treat Yo’ Self (Within Reason)
- Mini Breaks: Even during a hectic shift, take a few minutes to yourself. Find a quiet corner, do some deep breathing, or listen to your favorite holiday song. It can help reset your mood and keep you going.
- Festive Pick-Me-Ups: Treat yourself to a little holiday indulgence—a festive latte, a holiday-themed snack, or even just taking a moment to admire the hospital decorations.
- Gratitude Journaling: Keep a small notebook with you and jot down a few things you’re grateful for each day. It can be a game-changer for your mindset, helping you focus on the positives even during a tough shift.
A Nurse’s Perspective on the Meaning of the Holidays
- Finding Purpose: Being a nurse during the holidays gives you a unique perspective on what really matters. You’re not just caring for patients—you’re bringing a little light into their lives during a time that might be difficult for them.
- Small Acts of Kindness: Whether it’s giving an extra blanket to a cold patient or taking a moment to chat with someone who’s lonely, these small acts of kindness can help you find joy and meaning in your work.
Wrapping Up the Holidays: End-of-Season Tips
Once the holiday madness is over, it’s time to reflect, recharge, and look ahead. Here’s how to wrap up the season and get ready for the new year.
Reflect and Reset: Taking Stock of the Season
- What Worked, What Didn’t: Take a moment to think about what went well this holiday season and what you might want to change for next year. Maybe you loved that ugly sweater contest, but the potluck could use some tweaking.
- Plan Ahead: Start thinking about next year’s holiday shifts now—yes, seriously. Planning ahead can save you a lot of stress when the holidays roll around again.
New Year’s Resolutions for Nurses: Keeping It Real
- Self-Care Goals: Commit to taking better care of yourself, whether that’s through regular exercise, better sleep, or setting boundaries at work. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Professional Development: Consider making a resolution to take a new course, attend a conference, or get that certification you’ve been thinking about. Investing in yourself is always a good idea.
- Planning Time Off: If you can, try to plan some time off for next year’s holidays. Whether it’s a staycation or a real vacation, having something to look forward to can make those holiday shifts more bearable.
Looking Forward: The Silver Lining
- The Perks of Holiday Shifts: Yes, working during the holidays can be tough, but it can also be rewarding. You’re part of a small, elite group that keeps the world turning when everyone else is celebrating—and there’s something special about that.
- Making Memories: The memories you make with your work family during the holidays can be just as precious as those with your own family. Plus, there’s always the sweet satisfaction of holiday pay!
🎁 Holiday Shopping with That Nurse Life
Before you dive back into the madness of your holiday shift, why not treat yourself (or a fellow nurse) to something special? Head over to That Nurse Life to browse our selection of nurse-approved study materials and stylish apparel. Whether you’re looking for cozy holiday sweatshirts, NCLEX flashcards, or the perfect gift for your work bestie, we’ve got something to make your nurse life a little brighter.
