By: Miranda Brinker, RN, BSN

For healthcare workers, the holidays can feel more like a season of exhaustion than a time of rest. Long shifts, unpredictable schedules, emergency call-ins, and the emotional weight of caring for others don’t pause just because the calendar says December. Add in family gatherings, school events, travel, and financial pressures, and it’s no surprise that many clinicians enter the holidays already exhausted.

At Krucial Rapid Response, we know that healthcare professionals often put themselves last—especially during times of crisis and celebration alike. Surviving the holidays isn’t about doing everything; it’s about being intentional, realistic, and kind to yourself.

Remember the Point of the Holidays

At their core, the holidays are about sharing, caring, and giving back—values that healthcare workers live out every day. It’s easy to lose sight of that when you’re racing from shift to shift or feeling guilty about missing yet another event. Try to reframe the season: your work is an act of service. Showing up for patients during the holidays is one of the most meaningful ways to give back.

When expectations start to feel overwhelming, pause and ask yourself: What truly matters this season? Connection doesn’t always require physical presence, and celebration doesn’t have to look the same every year.

You Can’t Make Everything—and That’s Okay

One of the hardest parts of the holidays is accepting that you simply can’t attend every party, recital, or family gathering. And that’s okay.

What does matter is being deliberate about what you commit to. Choose the events that are most meaningful to you and your loved ones, and let the rest go without guilt. Quality over quantity applies to holiday plans just as much as it does to patient care.

If you know you can’t attend something, communicate that early. A sincere, proactive apology goes a long way. People are far more understanding when they’re informed in advance rather than left guessing.

Communicate Clearly and Respectfully

Few things strain relationships more than silence or broken commitments. Not RSVPing—or saying you’ll attend and then not showing up—can unintentionally hurt those you care about.

Clear communication is a form of respect. A simple message such as this acknowledges the invitation and honors the relationship, even if you can’t be physically present:

“I really want to be there, but my schedule won’t allow it this year. I’m thinking of you and hope you have a wonderful time.”

Protect Your Health by Listening to Your Body

Healthcare workers are experts at recognizing symptoms in others, but often ignore their own. During the holidays, overextending yourself—physically and emotionally—can quickly lead to burnout or illness.

Take deep breaths throughout the day. Check in with your body. Are you exhausted? Dehydrated? Running on caffeine and adrenaline alone? Small acts of self-awareness can prevent bigger problems later.

Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially when your job requires you to perform under pressure.

Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re essential. It’s okay to say no, to leave early, or to skip an event entirely if your body or mind needs rest. The people who care about you the most want you healthy—not depleted.

Consider setting realistic boundaries ahead of time, such as:

• Limiting how many events you attend in a week
• Scheduling recovery time after long shifts
• Prioritizing sleep over extra obligations

Boundaries allow you to show up more fully where it matters most.

Stay Connected in Simple Ways

If you can’t be present in person, find alternative ways to stay connected. A phone call between shifts, a handwritten note, or a quick video message can mean more than attending an event while exhausted and distracted.

Connection doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Give Yourself Grace

Above all, give yourself grace. The holidays are demanding, and as a healthcare worker, you’re carrying more than most. You’re doing the best you can—and that is enough.

At Krucial Rapid Response, we’re grateful for the dedication, resilience, and compassion you bring to your work every day, especially during the holiday season. Take care of yourself, communicate honestly, and remember that your presence—whether at home, at work, or in spirit—matters.

You don’t have to do it all to make the holidays meaningful.