In most cultures, the holiday season is a time of giving and being thankful for blessings. Yet headlines in the news and professional media make clear why these holiday conventions may be a lot tougher to accomplish this year in light of the raging pandemic, an economic downturn, multiple climate disasters, rampant nursing burnout, and the plague of racism beset with glaring health disparities.
Even being home for the holidays takes on an entirely new paradigm in 2020. For some, it simply means more of the same: sheltering in place and strong longings for times past. For others who travel and mingle with friends and relatives outside their usual "bubble," more risk. Not only can seasonal flu spread and become the gift that keeps on giving, now the specter of COVID-19 also moves unseen among us, threatening to turn holiday joy into pain and sorrow.
The World Health Organization's Year of the Nurse and the Midwife turned into an out-of-control rollercoaster ride requiring strong resilience and coping. Sadly, the holidays do not get a free pass on this current state of disruption. But rather than grieve what cannot be, reflect instead on things that matter within your control. Come up with your own list of priorities for the holiday and beyond. If you want to share your thoughts, please write to me! My list follows:
* Say, "I love you" often. This year taught me that nothing can be taken for granted.
* Be grateful. Many have far less. I count my blessings, including food on the table and the roof over my head.
* Think differently about gifts. Steer clear of flashy holiday commercialism; focus on what people need, as well as gifts that stimulate and expand the mind. Also consider the Earth impact of choices and strive for environmental stewardship.
* Support local, independent shops and artisans to help them stay in business.
* Donate to groups that support people in need. Give lonely people the gift of connection, even if by phone or virtually.
* Take care of the animals with gifts of food and supplies, birdseed, birdhouses, bat houses, and donations to rescue and shelter organizations.
No, this holiday will not be the same, but we can still engage in the things that matter most, like being kind to one another now and into the future. Humanity desperately needs the gifts of healing and unity. Wishing you and yours peace, good health, and cheer this holiday season!
Be safe and well,
LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2020