Celebrate Christmas on December 27th

Coping Strategies

Although all these issues may make you want to bypass the holidays this year, there are many coping strategies to help you get through without causing you to quit your job or spend the next month experiencing life in a yurt high in the Andes. The general tips recommended by Pamela Kulbarsh in Holiday Blues: Coping with the Humbugs are excellent. Also, strategies embracing the uniqueness of the emergency communications community can make working through the holidays a fabulous experience. For example:

• Coordinate a gift drive for needy children in the community
• Gather blankets, food, and other items to donate to the local animal shelter
• Decorate the center, including decorations made by employees during downtime
• Adopt a local family and provide gifts, dinner, and decorations
• Send holiday cards to families of law enforcement personnel who died in the line of duty
• Send holiday cards to other agencies you work with
• Have a bake sale and donate proceeds to charity

The holidays can be a joyous time, but also can spiral out of control, harming your relationships both at work and with family, your health, and your finances. During this time of year, try to keep sight of what is important to you and release the rest. You are not required to uphold some traditional Kinkadian holiday experience. Being an emergency communications operator, although adding to the stress of the season, should help you keep things in perspective. When faced with the realities of how bad things can be, it is easier to be appreciative of the things we have, including the ability to surround ourselves with friends and family (even if that means in the communication break room), a warm holiday meal (regardless of whether it is two days after Thanksgiving, starting at 9 P.M.), and the ability to personalize the holidays. In her article, Coping with Holiday Stress, Dorothy Cantor, Psy.D, former president of the American Psychological Association, recommends everyone "take stock of your expectations and make sure they're realistic. Don't expect more of this time of year than of any other." If you find yourself unable to cope, remember there are resources which can help, including talking to a peer counselor if available. With these strategies in mind, have a healthy and happy holiday season.