We are in the midst of the busiest, craziest and most overwhelming time of year: the holiday season. During this time, the medical world doesn’t just come to a halt, though some of us might wish this was the case. So what do you do when you have to work the dreaded holiday shift, instead of sitting by the fire opening presents with your family? What do you do to survive the holiday shift? You bring the holiday to your home-away-from-home, that’s what you do. So here are a few tips on how to have the best holiday shift possible:

Embrace your work family. 

They may not be your blood, but they are in the same boat as you. Embrace their presence and the fact that you DO have someone to share the holiday with. Many people don’t.

Arrange a potluck. 

Ask everyone to bring in a dish and create a holiday breakfast, dinner, or lunch, depending on your shift. Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you have to give up the delicious food of the holidays.

Dress it up. 

What better way to bring your spirits up then looking your best? Treat yourself to some festive scrubs, holiday jewelry, hat, socks, pins. Have fun with it!

Plan a gift exchange. 

Find out who will be working the shift with you, draw names, and leave your gift somewhere fun for your coworker to find.

Do something special for your patients.

Bring your patients a small gift and brighten their day. Remember, as bad as it is to be working on the holidays; it has to be worse to be sick or hurt during the holidays.

Don’t forget the spirit of the season.

The holiday season is about giving back, and who does that better than those who give their time to help and care for others, like nurses? It’s who you are; it’s what you do.