December is a month for reflecting on the past year, celebrating the holiday season, and planning for the new year. Whether one observes the traditional and festive Christmas of Christianity or the commemorative eight days of Hanukkah, or simply participates in the secular season of fun and giving, December allows us a thoughtful repose in our otherwise fast-paced, and at times hectic, lives. As we all know, in medicine there are no holidays. Or even more difficult, attending the dying patient in the midst of the joy of the holidays.
Illness comes and goes without regard to the calendar.
Research has shown occasions such as holidays or birthdays, or special anniversaries are so important to some, that death can be seemingly delayed until this event has passed. Christmas is one of those special times that can actually slow the Grim Reaper in his appointed rounds. Miracles are even said to occur during this special season. My message to you this Christmas season then is to use this special time for a moment or two of reflection. It's a good time to take an accounting of who you are, where you are, and what you're doing.