What traditions and good memories do you have about Christmas? Time with family, great food, fun activities?
Have you ever wondered what the Christmas season is like for police officers?
WARNING, this may trigger you. You can skip this paragraph and still learn. Having been an RCMP for many years, I have a jaded view of the festive season. I was the Grinch. The impact of attending fatal, serious injury crashes, domestic violence calls, physical assaults, murders, sudden deaths, vandalism, thefts, fires, interviewing sexual assault victims and suicides, all carry a toll, especially at Christmas. Working long hours, being short-staffed, sleep deprived, on-call and recalled for duty and working in adverse weather conditions with extreme cold, storms and poor driving conditions contribute to tension. Your friends and family are frustrated you miss events, the public ostracizes you for doing your job. I think you have a picture of the escalating stress during December for many police officers and first responders.
Long-term stress hurts all aspects of life. Peace officers, and first responders, please do not wait for retirement to relieve your stressors. Choose to use the organizational resources and those professionals who can help you walk your wellness journey.
Retirement has been a wonderful and challenging gift of processing trauma. I have learned to explore and acknowledge my emotions. In my private way, I remember the people who chose suicide, who died. I think of the youngsters who were able to overcome their childhood traumas and are thriving adults. I explore my anger over people’s choice to not wear a seat belt or to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. I am sad for families, friends and the people who have lost loved ones during this time of year (and anytime). I hope they have found peace in knowing they were loved and they loved the person who has passed. I now let myself cry over losses. I have no control over my tear ducts. Exploring and releasing emotions has been healing.
How can one cope during the holiday season? Do not over-extend yourself with commitments. “No” is a complete sentence. You are important, be firm with your boundaries to ensure your time and wellness are a priority. Do what you enjoy; bake favourite dishes, send Christmas cards, connect with others, attend a Christmas event, sing or listen to music, volunteer, read a good book, or watch the beautiful sunrises or sunsets. Do something fun; make snow angels, create Christmas decorations and cards, watch a movie, tour the lights in your community, attend a craft fair, or Christmas Tea, or dare to try something new or out of character. As winter can be long, schedule daily time to be outside with Mother Nature, inhale the freshness of the air, take your dog for a walk or plan a walking date. Remember your Christmas traditions from childhood and share them with your family, or together make new traditions. I think the surety to have a good Christmas is to surround yourself with positive people who wish to be with you.
I now enjoy Christmas surrounded by our children who want to be with their parents. Time together is precious.
Will Arnett says it best, “I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.”
This Christmas choose to look after you while you spend time with your important people. If you see a peace officer or first responder, have compassion for what they do and share a smile.
— Gertrude Maxwell is a retired RCMP.
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