by Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP
Just as families have their holiday celebrations, so does CRG. Since its inception in 1993, the holidays have been a time of fun, food, and frivolity at CRG. While we take our work very seriously, we also enjoy our colleagues and like to celebrate with each other. At this time of year, our lunchroom is typically filled with holiday cookies, candy, nuts, and pastries. I think that we each gain weight just walking through the lunchroom. One of our former nurses, Mary Teter, started a tradition of playing Reindeer Games for the staff who worked on Christmas Eve. But the big event of the year was always the CRG Holiday Party.
So how will CRG adapt its holiday celebration during the pandemic? Well, to start with the party will be a virtual party. But how do you have a CRG holiday party without appropriate food and drink? Our staff will do a drive through to pick up their goody bag distributed by Santa. Each bag will contain the CRG signature beverage fondly referred to as Mistletoe Madness, shrimp cocktail, holiday brownies, and a Door Dash gift certificate. We traditionally have a gift exchange, but each member of the staff has been asked to make a contribution to the Wheeler Mission as they drive through to pick up their gift. And the highlight of our annual holiday party is the conferring of the Chicken Award. This is an annual award that goes to the member of our crew who has done something really outlandish. Stay tuned for the 2020 winner.
It is our sincerest hope that we will all be able to be together to celebrate the holidays and CRG in 2021 but for now we will do what most families are doing – staying home and celebrating virtually. May each of you find a way to celebrate the holidays safely and meaningfully. It is important for all of us to feel connected to others and have a sense of belongingness.
