The holiday season is a time centered around family, special events, and friendly gatherings. Most of us have long-standing traditions – from decorating the home with twinkling lights, singing Christmas carols in the neighborhood, and enjoying the savory and sweet tastes of holiday foods.
But how does one partake in the winter festivities while traveling on assignment? At a time when being at home and close family gatherings are so synonymous with this time of year, I was curious to learn how travelers celebrate the season while miles away from their homes and loved ones. As it turns out, spreading goodwill, giving back to a community, and enjoying the new traditions of a different place are some of the ways travelers experience the holidays while on assignment!
Christmas Giving
Goodwill towards men and peace on earth are themes often attached to the holiday season. If you’re a traveler, there are many things you can do to show your warm-hearted spirit without spending a dime!
I had a chance to talk to Cynthia, a traveling RN with a big Christmas spirit! Cynthia says she loves to travel during this time of year because it is a way for her to give the gift of time off for nurses with little ones at home, grandchildren, and other youngsters in their families. Because healthcare professionals must provide care 365 days of the year, nurses and therapists often have unique challenges to finding time off around the holidays. However, being a traveler definitely helps alleviate this burden. “I always volunteer to work for staff with children. Christmas Day is about children, so I enjoy being able to let parents be with their kids on that day,” she said.
In addition, Cynthia also shows her Christmas cheer to patients, especially ones that do not have family closely or ones that don’t see a lot of visitors. “I treat a patient the way I’d want to be treated. If I have a patient that doesn’t have family, then I like to make them crafts. This year I’m giving them ornaments signed by hospital staff and I hope that makes them feel special,” she said.
Observing New Traditions
Another interesting aspect of traveling during the holidays is, you guessed it, being in a new environment each time! While most of us always attend the same holiday parade, shop for gifts at the same mall, and cook the same holiday recopies’ year-after-year, a traveler can experience the holidays in a radically new way each year, which is fun for travelers that enjoy new things.
Cynthia says different places can have different traditions. “In a predominately Hispanic community, Christmas is emphasized around church gatherings – it’s like a week-long event leading up until the 25th with many religious festivities. This year, I’ve noticed a lot more people had trees up before Thanksgiving, so they’re eating turkey with the tree already up!” she said.
Being in a new environment around the holidays also lets travelers develop close friendships with others who share joy in the season, including permanent staff at the facility, as well as other travelers who are away from home. “Since we don’t have our own families with us, we develop a new family wherever we are,” she said.
Taking an assignment during the holiday season provides travelers many unique opportunities to celebrate warmth and spirit of winter festivities, and we are overjoyed to hear how our travelers incorporate the holiday on the road. “I have Christmas in my heart and celebrate it everyday. I don’t need it to be December 25th to feel like it’s Christmas,” she said. Thanks Cynthia for everything you do, around the holidays and year-round.
How do YOU celebrate the season while on assignment?
