The holiday season is somewhat of a dichotomy; for many it’s a time to slow down, to spend with loved ones, and unplug from the bustle of our everyday routines. For others, it can be very high-stress; my colleagues who work in essential services can attest that scheduling any downtime can pose a significant challenge.

Visiting stores in my territory is a priority for me leading up to the holiday break. Dropping in to say hi and taking a moment to ask about travel plans or family gatherings is one of the highlights of my year. Retail pharmacy can be so demanding, and teams work so hard to care for everyone that walks through the door. Let’s face it: nobody chooses or wants to be sick or infirm at any time of year, let alone Christmas and New Year’s. We do all we can to meet their needs knowing that there are physician office closures, weather concerns, and last-minute errands to complete. What I choose to focus on are the positives. Every location I visited spoke of patients that had brought in their baking or dropped off chocolates. Merry Christmas well-wishes were prominent and frequent even with longer lineups and wait times.

It’s sometimes easy to take the little things for granted; this time of year causes you to reflect on what’s really important. On this Christmas Eve, I truly wish the best for you and that of your families.

Have a very merry Christmas, and we’ll see you soon in the New Year!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.