This article was provided by Medical Edge Recruitment
COVID-19 has been undeniably challenging in so many ways. And now, as we stumble into the 2020 holiday season, things are not looking much better. Instead of getting to eat yummy Turkey, chow down on Nana’s homemade pumpkin pie, watch football with Uncle Joe or argue politics with crazy Aunt Karen, the CDC is recommending only small gatherings to help stop the spread and limiting travel. Even though some holiday traditions in prior years seemed stressful, being told you can’t do them makes the nostalgia hit hard.
So as a traveler, here are some creative tips to help combat the Turkey Day blues:
HOLIDAY PAY –
Money doesn’t make everything better – but it definitely helps. If you can’t get home for Thanksgiving because of travel restrictions, talk to your staffing coordinator about picking up a shift on Thanksgiving Thursday. Your pay rate will be at a holiday uplift at almost every facility and agency, and your local counterparts will be happy to have the shift off.
A DAY THAT ENDS IN Y –
Sure, we all think of Thanksgiving to fall on the last Thursday of November. But why not pick a different day to celebrate virtually with family and friends? Schedule a Zoom, Facebook Video or Skype on Black Friday or Thanksgiving Eve, have everyone order a pizza, and get a chance to spend some time with friends or relatives you wouldn’t normally see on Thanksgiving anyway, and still be able to pick up a shift.
THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY –
Another option is celebrating Thanksgiving Breakfast! Test out one or two of these recipes, check out Tom Turkey in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and still have time to grab that extra $$$ shift.
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS –
Obviously, some locations may be a little too chilly, but why not host a Friendsgiving picnic outdoors this year? Nothing says Thanksgiving like beautiful fall foliage. Think firepits, warm blankets, a projector for the big game, and outdoor games like cornhole for a nice socially distant celebration!
FIVE SENSES –
For a shared “virtual” ambiance, agree on 1 thing to stimulate each sense that everyone will have at your celebration: the smell, a pumpkin, or vanilla candle. Sight, have the word “Thanks” show up in everyone’s background somewhere. For hearing, share a party playlist for the group…
DO SOME (MORE) GOOD –
As a healthcare worker, you certainly have done more than your fair share of kindness and caring this year. But if you are looking for extra good ju-ju this year, consider virtual volunteering. VolunteerMatch is one way to search for virtual opportunities to support the community. Or do some research for Giving Tuesday and pick an organization to donate the money you would have spent on your oversized bag fee going home this year.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? –
Host a virtual football squares pool at a site like Super Bowl Pool Site, so you have some stakes in the three games on Thanksgiving. The best part is you don’t have to know anything about football to win, so it’s easy to get all of your friends, family, or coworkers to join in.
NO, I’M NOT –
Or for those of us who can’t stand football or just aren’t feeling it this year, snuggle up and binge watch some of these Thanksgiving flicks to get in the spirit.
PICTURES OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN –
Have a virtual photo scavenger hunt with friends or family. Make a list of Thanksgiving words, Create a shared album on your iPhone or Facebook, and have everyone post pictures with each of the items. The “winner” can be the person to get the most likes, who finishes first, or takes the most pictures. Think “Pumpkin,” “Butterball,” “Family Heirloom,” “Dirty Dishes,” for inspiration.
BE THANKFUL FOR YOU –
Finally, take some time for a little self-meditation and reflection, and don’t forget to thank YOURSELF. It has been a tough year, and you have touched more lives than you know, and the year is not over. Celebrate you with an extra nap, a long hot bath, a relaxing jog, or an extra piece of that pumpkin pie!
However you may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, know that you and all healthcare workers are so very appreciated this year. Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
We hope you found these tips for combating Turkey Day blues helpful! Do you have any ways that you combat Turkey Day blues as a travel nurse? Comment them below.
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
