Hello fellow physician spouses and families! 🌟

As we gear up for the holiday season, I want to acknowledge that this time of joy and celebration can bring its own set of challenges for us in the medical community. With clinics, emergency rooms, walk-in clinics, and hospitals open throughout the holidays, it often means that many of our physician partners will be working. I understand that this can be a tough and exhausting time for us, our spouses/partners, children, and the entire family.

First and foremost, I want to send a warm virtual hug to each of you. It’s okay to feel the weight of the season, and I’m here to share some ideas to make it a bit brighter. Let’s turn these challenges into opportunities for new traditions and moments of connection.

Here are some suggestions for navigating the holidays when your spouse/partner is working:

• Celebrate on a Different Day:
  • Consider celebrating the holiday on a different day when your spouse can join in the festivities. The joy of togetherness doesn’t have to be confined to a specific date!
• Create New Traditions:
  • Start new traditions that you can enjoy once your spouse/partner is back from work. It could be a special breakfast, a cozy movie night, or anything that brings warmth to your family.
• Volunteer Together:
  • Spend the actual holiday giving back by volunteering with your kids. It’s a beautiful way to share the spirit of the season and create lasting memories.  The Nashville Mom has a great blog with so many volunteering ideas you can do with kids.  
• Hospital Dinner Date:
  • Bring a festive dinner to the hospital and share a meal with your spouse. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in brightening their workday.
• Connect with Other Physician Families:
  • Reach out to other families in the same boat. Celebrating together not only eases the loneliness but also forms bonds that can become your holiday family.

Remember, it’s all about looking at the bigger picture. If your partner is working this holiday, there’s hope for next year’s festivities together. Let’s keep in mind that just as our loved ones might need medical care over the holidays, our partners are there for others. It’s a shared commitment to caring for those in need, and that’s something truly special.

Sending you all warmth, understanding, and the spirit of togetherness during this holiday season! 🎄💖

We’re all in this together! #PhysicianFamilyLove