This December, the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement sought to connect with the medical community by learning about the season’s rich variety of holidays. In part three of our holiday series, we explore Christmas, celebrated worldwide for its message of love, generosity, and joy.
To capture the spirit and significance of the holiday, we spoke with Monica Henderson, Administrative Director in Clinical Simulation, and Dominique McCray, Clinical Program Manager II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, to learn more about how Christmas' themes of giving and togetherness resonate in their lives and work.
Where it all began
Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. Rooted in religious observances, it has evolved into a global cultural celebration marked by gift-giving, festive meals, and cherished time with loved ones.
The Christmas tree, a symbol of eternal life
The holiday’s origins trace back to early Christianity, with December 25 chosen to align with Roman winter solstice festivals like Saturnalia and the feast of Sol Invictus. These festivals offered hope and joy during the darkest days of the year, when daylight was at its shortest and long nights often brought feelings of hardship and reflection. By aligning Christmas with these celebrations, early Christians sought to bring their message of light and renewal into existing traditions.
Over centuries, various customs merged to shape modern Christmas celebrations. Decorating evergreen trees, a practice rooted in pagan winter rites, became a Christian symbol of eternal life. Carols emerged from medieval celebrations, and gift-giving was inspired by figures like St. Nicholas, known for his generosity.
Today, Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community—values that align closely with the practice of medicine.
Connecting Christmas to medicine
The holiday season’s emphasis on giving and compassion naturally aligns with the values of health care professionals who dedicate their lives to improving others’ well-being. For Monica Henderson, previous Program Manager II in the Department of Pathology for Residency & Fellowship programs, Christmas is a time to foster collaboration, generosity, and joy among residents, fellows, and staff.
"In my role, working closely with residents and fellows, we try to think of ways to contribute to [the Christmas] theme," Henderson explains. “Each year, we partner with the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office to support a chosen charity. It’s a time to truly appreciate what we have and give back, being considerate of those who are less fortunate.”
Henderson and the GME office collecting items for donation
The GME office’s charitable initiatives include gathering items for women’s shelters and other organizations. Henderson recalls a memorable December coordinator meeting where everyone gathered to pack donations and learn more about the chosen charity.
For Dominique McCray, Clinical Program Manager II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Christmas is about spreading cheer and love to everyone—both in her work and personal life.
“To me, celebrating Christmas is about embodying the values of faith, love, and service every day, which directly ties into the mission of health care.”
Her passion for serving others shapes her interactions with colleagues and patients, particularly during the holiday season.
“It’s easy to forget how blessed we are, especially when it comes to something as simple as being able-bodied," McCray reflects. "In orthopaedics, we deal with people who may lose the ability to walk, move, or care for themselves. My faith reminds me to approach my work with compassion and humility—these patients are coming because they have a need, and we should be intentional with the care they receive, even in the simplest act.”
She often reflects on her experiences at Children’s Hospital, where she is reminded of the challenges many families face, especially during the holidays.
“It’s a humbling experience to be a mother and realize that some children won’t be able to leave the hospital. That reminds me that my everyday problems aren’t as big as I sometimes think they are,” she says.
To bring joy to her workplace during the busy holiday season, McCray encourages office decorating competitions, potlucks, and space for moments of gratitude.
"It helps lift people’s spirits and gives them something to look forward to," she says.
Fond memories and celebrations
For Henderson and McCray, Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a time to connect with family, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories.
Henderson, who has a Filipino background, cherishes the family-centric traditions she grew up with.
“In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations begin as early as September, with decorations going up throughout the country long before the holiday season officially begins,” she shares. “We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving there, so Christmas takes center stage.”
Although her extended family is now spread across different states, Henderson continues to honor these traditions by visiting family in California each December. One of her most cherished Christmas traditions is the family talent show, where children showcase their creativity through performances. One year, her son performed “Jingle Bells” in American Sign Language, combined with a beatbox performance.
Reflecting on memories, Henderson also recalls a special holiday event in Birmingham.
“One of my favorite holiday memories with my son is when Birmingham had the Mutt Cracker,” she recalls. “It was the Nutcracker, but with puppies, and my son loved it. He was younger then, not yet in his ‘cool teenager’ phase, so he was fully engaged while his friend fell asleep during the show.”
For McCray, the holidays are about spreading cheer and lifting spirits, especially during challenging times. Growing up, her family would host a Christmas Eve Pajama Jam, a tradition she continues with her own family.
“We have a big family—four kids of our own, and my brother has six,” she says. “On Christmas Eve, we get together, have brunch, exchange gifts, and reflect on the memories of years past. It’s a great way to celebrate, especially with our children growing up so fast.”
Another memorable tradition for McCray and her family is the Festival of Lights in Oxford, Alabama.
“We’ve been going for the last three years,” she explains. “The kids look forward to it every year—we get cozy in our pajamas, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the drive together.”
This tradition has become especially important as her oldest daughter approaches adulthood, creating a sense of continuity and reminding the family of the importance of creating lasting memories, no matter how busy life becomes.
Outside of her personal life, McCray also consciously tries to spread joy in her workplace.
“I like to do small things, like leaving hot cocoa packs on desks or dressing up in festive attire to lift people’s spirits,” she shares. “You never know what someone might be going through; a small gesture can make a big difference.”
One year, McCray noticed a colleague struggling financially and quietly took it upon herself to ensure their child would have gifts under the tree.
“It’s not about the gifts,” McCray says. “It’s about giving and lifting the burdens of others, especially during the holidays.”
Cherishing the spirit of Christmas
While Christmas traditions may vary from family to family, its core values of love, togetherness, and generosity remain universal. Both Henderson and McCray share the importance of making meaningful memories with loved ones through festive traditions, family gatherings, or acts of kindness.
No matter how you celebrate, whether through familiar customs or creating new memories, the holiday season offers a chance to practice gratitude and spread joy amongst loved ones. As McCray says, "You don’t always have to be deep or spiritual to make a difference. Sometimes, it's just about putting a smile on someone's face, being patient, and offering grace."
Happy Holidays from the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement!