Behind the scenes: Christmas day with an NHS community nurse

Christmas Day is a time of joy and celebration, but for NHS community nurses, it’s also a day of dedication, compassion, and care. Balancing festive traditions with professional responsibilities is no small feat, yet it’s a vital part of ensuring patients feel supported. Let Gemma take you through her 2024 Christmas Day – a mix of organised chaos, heartfelt moments, and the odd cheeky mince pie.

A festive morning

6:30am: The alarm goes off, and I’m up and straight into the festive spirit. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a quick flurry of wrapping paper, a hot cuppa, and watching my family open their presents. Leaving them behind on Christmas morning is tough – especially with plans of visiting cousins and grandparents later in the day. But knowing I’ll bring a bit of festive cheer to patients who might otherwise be alone? That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Getting ready for the Christmas day’s challenges

As I head out the door, my car becomes my stage. A little Mariah Carey and some “Last Christmas” are non-negotiable, and since I saw the new Mufasa last night, I couldn’t resist adding a few tracks from its soundtrack to the mix. It’s impossible not to sing along – my steering wheel has become my biggest fan! 

Arriving at work, we kick off with a big Christmas breakfast. If Christmas is good for anything, it’s the abundance of food! Waiting on my desk is my Secret Santa gift – nothing like a thoughtful surprise to give me a boost before heading out.

With my trusty kit bag packed to the brim – dressings, syringes, gloves, and snacks – I’m ready to face the day’s challenges and spread some holiday cheer.

Bringing holiday cheer to patients

My first patient of the day greets me with a smile that could rival any Christmas tree lights. For some, I’m the only visitor they’ll see today, so it’s not just about the medical care. It’s about sitting down, sharing a story, and making them feel less alone. One patient even shared their homemade mince pies – something we normally wouldn’t accept, but it is Christmas, after all!

I’ve lost count of the number of times patients and their families have said, “Thank you for being here today.” It’s humbling and reminds me why I do this, even when I’m missing Christmas morning at home. These moments of connection make the day truly special.

A festive lunch with colleagues: the office Christmas feast

12pm: Back at the office, we have our version of a Christmas feast. Everyone working today brought something special – starters, mains, desserts, and far too much food to finish. It’s a chance to laugh about the day’s antics, swap stories, and feel like we’re all in this together.

We all had our Happythreads Christmas scrub tops on to keep the festive spirit alive, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful to work with such an amazing team. I’ll admit, though, getting up after lunch was a struggle – we were absolutely stuffed!

Acts of kindness across the community

Patients often surprise us too. From heartfelt cards to a cheeky glass of sherry (don’t worry, I declined!), the kindness goes both ways and reminds me how connected we all are. These small gestures make a big difference.

Wrapping up a day of nursing care

As the day winds down, I make my final visits. Luckily, we all got an early finish, which is a Christmas gift in itself. I drive home feeling a mix of exhaustion and pride, knowing I’ve made a difference today.

Celebrating Christmas evening

Finally, it’s time to unwind. My family waited for me to have Christmas dinner around 5pm, so I could join them. My sister greeted me with an espresso martini, and we played games before heading to bed for a well-earned rest. Tomorrow, I’ll be back at it, ready for another busy day.

Why Christmas day matters for NHS nurses

Working on Christmas Day isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege. It’s about showing up for those who need us most, spreading kindness, and sharing in the true spirit of the season. Sure, I miss the lazy Christmas mornings, but the smiles, the thank-yous, and the little moments of connection make it all worth it. 🥰

View Gemma's Christmas day TikTok here.