My career path has provided me a different insight to what holidays look like for in different industries and careers. For years earlier on, I planned a breakfast for kids with Santa at NorthRiver Yacht Club, a prestigious country club. Kids donning their Sunday best anxious to see Santa, and parents anxious to get the best picture possible. Downstairs in the Crystal Room and 1890s room was overflowing with families and a spread fit for a king or in this case princes and princesses. Plates filled with pancakes, hashbrowns, and ketchup smeared- almost like a work of art from a toddler. Squeals and crying alike could be heard across the Yacht Club. Santa could invoke both reactions equally with no guesses on which kid would do what.

Later on, after moving home, I was able to be a part of planning the largest Christmas celebration in our area and State- Christmas on the River. Stressful, yes but seeing the crowds faces during the Day Parade made it all worth the while. Witnessing the ability of a small town to come together to make this event possible is nothing less than remarkable.

Next, there were Christmas parties with the Credit Union with song challenges for new employees and laughter filling the dining room of Choctaw Country Club where all branches would unite. Celebrations of jobs well done and well-deserved recognition served as the night’s agenda.

This year marks my first holiday season in healthcare. Healthcare is a high pace, stressful environment for both employees and families alike. Adding the holidays in the mix makes this even more a challenge. Our employees work long hours, and I know our families and patients are struggling with the fact that the holiday season was not the same as years passed. This career by far has been my most challenging and rewarding. In my short time I have fallen in love with our hospital, employees, and patients. It is my hope that this week, along with the help of employees we can spread joy and holiday spirit for patients and fellow co-workers. My dad instilled in me that the most important thing we can do for others is to share the gifts and talents God has provided us. I feel that every job I have been blessed with has allowed me to be able to do this. However, this time I feel it is even more important to share these things in a healthcare setting. I ask that if you are reading this to stop and pray. Pray for our employees- some will be working on Christmas. Pray for our patients and their families. This time of year, is so special but it is also so hard for so many. Stop and count your blessings.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to help others and share what you’ve given me. It’s not for me to keep. Thank you for your son.
“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped in strips of cloth and laid him in a manager, because there was no lodging available for them.”
Luke 2: 6-7