Working on Christmas doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the holiday cheer. For healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential workers, the holiday shift is a reality—but it can still be festive and meaningful. Here are some tips to make the most of your time while working during the holidays.

1. Decorate Your Workspace

Bring the holiday spirit to your workplace by adding festive touches to your area. String up some twinkle lights, hang a small wreath, or set up a mini (or full-size! Don’t let me stifle your Christmas spirit!) Christmas tree. If you work in a shared space, collaborate with your team to create a cozy, cheerful environment that everyone can enjoy.

If you want to get really creative, use medical equipment for your decor! Use blood specimen vials and urine collection cups as ornaments for your tree. Don’t have a tree? Blow up gloves and tape them all together into a tree shape. Turn urinals into wreaths decorated with tourniquets bows. You can even make it a unit contest.

2. Plan a Holiday Potluck

Food brings people together, even during a busy shift. Coordinate with your coworkers to organize a holiday-themed potluck. Whether it’s cookies, hot cocoa, or savory dishes, sharing a meal can make the day feel special. You could even see about getting it catered- a lot of grocery stores offer premade holiday meals, so you don’t have to spend your time off cooking.

3. Wear Festive Accessories

Add some holiday flair to your uniform with subtle accessories like Christmas socks, a Santa hat, or a holiday-themed badge reel. Be sure to follow any workplace dress code rules, but a little festive touch can brighten your mood and that of your patients or colleagues. I loved wearing festive earrings and headbands around the holidays. 

You could even turn it into a game. Instead of an “ugly sweater” contest, you could have a “crazy headpiece” contest, and whoever has the wildest headband, hat or hair clip wins. Make the reward something unit-based- maybe the winner doesn’t have to check the crash cart for the next month.

4. Create New Traditions

Who says traditions can only happen at home? Start new ones with your work family. For example:

• Host a Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange. Keep the budget small, but badge holders, socks, headbands, even lottery scratch off tickets can help make work feel more festive.

• Organize a group photo in festive attire. This could even be turned into an annual tradition; hang them up every year and reminisce.

• Play holiday music in break rooms, common areas, or even at the nurses station. This could even help lighten the moods of your patients.

5. Bring Joy to Others

For those in healthcare or customer-facing roles, a little extra kindness can go a long way. Many patients or clients may also be away from loved ones during the holidays. Simple gestures like a cheerful greeting, a kind word, or a small token like a handwritten holiday card signed by everyone working that day or a cheerful holiday-themed sticker can make someone’s day brighter. While working on Christmas may not be ideal, remember that many of your patients would prefer to be anywhere else. Your kindness can make a big difference.

If you work in a pediatric unit, holiday themed crafts could be a fun way to help them through the holidays. You could even involve them in decorating. Use cutouts of their hands on construction paper to make a Christmas tree on a wall, and leave markers so they can color them. Provide materials to your kiddos to make snowflakes, and hang them around the unit. 

6. Take Care of Yourself

The holidays can be emotionally and physically draining, especially if you’re working. Prioritize self-care by staying hydrated, eating well, and taking moments to breathe and recharge. If you’re feeling down, remind yourself that your work is meaningful and appreciated—especially on holidays. And don’t hesitate to seek out professional help if it gets too overwhelming.

7. Reflect on the Meaning of the Season

Whether you celebrate Christmas for its religious significance or as a time of giving and togetherness, take a moment to reflect. If attending church services is important to you, many churches stream their services these days, so check to see if yours does too; your patients might appreciate this option too. Gratitude and mindfulness can bring a sense of peace and purpose, even during a hectic holiday shift. 

If your department hasn’t already, this could be a great time to set up a gratitude wall. Encourage staff and patients to write notes gratitude or holiday wishes. Even something as simple as exam table paper can serve as a canvas for meaningful messages. 

Final Thoughts

Working on Christmas can feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to bring the holiday spirit to those around you. By embracing small moments of joy and connection, you can make the day memorable—both for yourself and for others. After all, the magic of Christmas isn’t confined to a specific place or time; it’s in the kindness, care, and community we create together.

Happy Holidays to all who are working to keep the world turning on Christmas Day!