Reach Out to Your First Responder Communities with Holiday Cheer to Say, “Thank You!” 

Reach Out to Your First Responder Communities with Holiday Cheer to Say, “Thank You!” 

Peter Volkmann, MSW, CCISM  

The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and togetherness, and for first responders — firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other emergency personnel — it can also be one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.   

Emergencies often increase during the holiday season due to winter weather, holiday travel accidents, and fire hazards.  These kinds of emergencies have a greater emotional impact due to their happening during the holiday season with first responders.  

As we manage these critical situations, first responders face the additional stress of simultaneously balancing that commitment with their own personal and family holiday commitments.  So, while their unwavering dedication during this season ensures that others can celebrate safely, it often occurs at the expense of their own holiday traditions and precious time with family. 

Amid these demands, fostering holiday cheer becomes an essential gesture of gratitude and support that first responders offer to their communities. 

In addition to working through daily emergencies, they frequently assist in holiday-specific initiatives, such as toy drives, food distributions, and community outreach programs that bring joy to others, as well as participating in charity events or dressing as Santa Claus for children’s visits. These activities highlight their role not just as community protectors but also as vital contributors to the spirit of giving through personal and professional service, creating a unique bonding of service and joy.  These actions reflect a profound commitment to fostering community connections, even during the busiest times. 

Yet year-round crisis response is not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual.  Community support and kindness returned to those who serve is as critical as logistics and strategy in first responder crisis response.  

During the holiday season, communities can create a cycle of gratitude and kindness, enriching the season for everyone, while offering a shared spirit of care and compassion that strengthens the bond between first responders and the communities they serve.  This bond makes the holidays truly meaningful for all. 

As first responders, and as CISM team members, we can alert our communities to the reality that recognizing and celebrating first responders during the holidays can have a profound impact on their morale and well-being all year.  Acts of appreciation, no matter how small, can remind them of the community’s awareness of their professional service and personal sacrifices.  

So, if you feel the need to spread holiday cheer, don’t hesitate to reach out to your community, perhaps through a particular local organization you might belong to, and suggest an activity that will recognize local first responders. Don’t be afraid that it may be perceived as some kind of self-aggrandizing action on your part. It isn’t. It’s a service to your amazing first responders in your community. 

Examples of activities you might suggest include: 

1. Community Thank-You Efforts: Local schools, businesses, and residents can organize thank-you cards, care packages, or holiday meals to express appreciation of their first responders.
2. Holiday Celebrations at Their Work: Decorating fire stations, police precincts, or EMS facilities can bring festive cheer to their workplaces, making the season feel more special for everyone.
3. First Responder Family Support: Offering support to the families of first responders, such as holiday cards or meal delivery, acknowledges the broader sacrifices made by their loved ones.

Crises challenge us to act with compassion and adaptability, while holidays remind us of what makes life worth celebrating.  By fostering both, we build communities that are not only prepared to face hardship but are also capable of finding joy amid struggles.  As we navigate an unpredictable world, the ability to balance crisis response with holiday cheer is a testament to humanity’s enduring strength and optimism. 

In recent years, holiday donation drives have doubled as both festive events and crucial relief efforts, helping communities recover while keeping the spirit of celebration alive.  These instances demonstrate the resilience of human nature and the power of hope and let us know that our fellow citizens are anxious to help when given the opportunity to do so. 

First responders are the often-unsung heroes of the holiday season, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and happiness of others.  By spreading holiday cheer to these individuals and their families, balancing the urgency of crisis response with the spirit of holiday cheer, the whole of our communities celebrate compassion, creativity in helping our fellow citizens, and a commitment to those serving others. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season. 

May first responders and our ICISF membership unwrap many blessings this holiday season.