While it feels great knowing you are helping facilities that are short-staffed during the holiday season, not being able to take time off to be with your own loved ones can be tough. Here are some tips for how you can feel closer to home this holiday season, even if you are a thousand miles away.
Plan an extended Skype date with the people that you miss.
Sometimes you just need a little face time with someone who really gets you. Luckily, technology like Skype, FaceTime, and Google hangouts make this easy. Set time aside to Skype over coffee with your mom or best friend or have a video hangout session, which is basically the next best thing to having your loved ones in the same room with you. Make a plan to wrap gifts with your sister in Seattle! Watch your favorite holiday movie with your S.O. in Boston! It may sound silly, but it really helps with loneliness.
Send a reverse care package home.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like getting a care package in the mail, but sometimes it can feel just as good to send one back home to your loved ones to let them know that you are thinking about them. Plus, sending souvenirs from the city or state you are on contract in is a fun way to share your experience with your loved ones back home. Facebook and email are fine for sharing photos, but there is something way more special about having a print so be sure to include a few pictures (selfies encouraged) of the local scenery. It will give your parents something new to hang on the fridge!
Give back to the community.
Most people are busy with family engagements during the holiday season, but since you won’t have as many obligations, check with shelters and outreach centers in the area to see if you can volunteer your time. Whether it’s serving a warm meal to people in need, collecting food, blanket, or clothing donations, or sorting collected items at a shelter, giving back is proven to make you happier. Plus it will keep you from sitting alone at your apartment thinking about how much you miss your family.
Host a Friendsgiving celebration with friends and co-workers you’ve met on assignment.
If there are other travelers at your facility, there is a good chance there are other people like you who won’t be able to travel home for the holidays. Why not get a group together and have your own celebration? Have each person bring a dish that is a tradition in their own family, that way no one will get stuck with all the cooking. If you guys are feeling extra energetic (and the recipe isn’t some closely-guarded family secret), print off a few copies of your recipe and bring those along to share with people. Remember to check with your guests beforehand to see if anyone has food allergies and be sure to include a non-alcoholic option if you plan on serving alcohol.
This would also be a great time to learn about other people’s holiday practices. Christmas is all over the place in the mainstream, but Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Pancha Ganapati, Milad un Nabi, and Bodhi Day are just a few of the other celebrations that happen every winter and each has its own fascinating customs.
Happy Holidays!
Miranda Milovich is a recruiter in Aureus Medical’s Nursing Division. When she isn’t helping nurses find new jobs and travel contracts she likes to cook, spend time with friends and family, and do lots of traveling herself. Her favorite things include her dog Sammy, Mexican food, and finding good deals at happy hour.