The holiday season can stir a wide range of emotions. For many, it brings excitement from festive lights, joy in shared traditions, and hope for the year ahead. For others, it may surface more complex feelings, such as grief for loved ones who are missed, stress related to financial demands or nostalgia that carries both warmth and ache.
To support you this season, the Workforce Well-Being Team is offering programs and events designed to help you nurture joy and gratitude while also providing space, understanding and resources for any challenges you may be facing.
Blessings & Gratitude
The Workforce Chaplains invite you to pause and reflect on gratitude this season through a series of special events. When practiced regularly, gratitude has been shown to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, strengthen relationships and increase overall feelings of contentment. Employees are welcome to bring photos or small, meaningful items that represent someone or something they are grateful for to campus for the Chaplains to bless. Events will be held from December 8-11, from 11 am to 1 pm. Visit the Well-Being in Action page for location details.
Nurture Your Gratitude Practice
Looking to strengthen your gratitude practice but don’t know where to begin? Consider joining the Well-Being Gratitude or Mindfulness Challenge. The Well-Being Team will provide all the materials and resources needed for you to host a successful wellness challenge. To get started, complete the request form.
Honoring Grief Around the Holidays
The holiday season can make grief feel especially heavy. Acknowledging your emotions, adjusting traditions and finding meaningful ways to honor both sorrow and joy make this time more manageable. Join the EAP team for a grief-focused Embracing Change webinar on December 10 from Noon to 12:30 pm. Click HERE to sign up.
Tis’ the Season for Giving Back
Many households, including those with working adults, face food insecurity due to low wages, rising living costs or reductions in assistance programs. If you would like to support families navigating these challenges, please consider supporting our community through one of the following options:
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Employee Financial Assistance Fund
The Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF) is funded by both Texas Children’s and generous donations from our employees. If you know someone in need of emergency assistance, please encourage them to apply here. If you are interested in donating to support employees in need, visit Voyager. Contact EAP for additional information at eap@texaschildrens.org.
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Food Bank Volunteering
On December 6 and 13, 30 spots will be reserved for Texas Children’s Houston employees to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank. There are 15 spots reserved for Texas Children’s Austin employees on December 13 and 17 at the Central Texas Food Bank. Visit the Well-Being in Action page for more details and the links to sign up.
Visit the Well-Being in Action page for more information on all of December’s programs and events.
If you have any questions, please reach out to wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.