Note from the Director: Happy Boxing Day!

by Rebecca Hendren

When today’s issue of CDI Strategies hits your inbox, I will be celebrating the holiday season in England with my family. Those who have heard me speak before probably picked up from my accent that I was born and raised in Great Britain.

I love visiting my family in the winter, particularly over Christmas, as it is a time of peaceful reflection. Great Britain is a small island perched in the cold North Sea and winter brings long nights and cold days, which are brightened in the holiday season with lights, decorations, and music. We fill ancient churches and cozy town halls with the sound of medieval carols, gather with friends to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, and extend the celebrations with a special day on December 26.

Known as Boxing Day, December 26 was traditionally a day to give gifts (i.e., boxes) to those in need. Now it’s a bonus day off for family time and the traditional way to celebrate is with long walks in the beautiful countryside.

Making time to be with family and away from work over the holidays grants all of us a time for reflection. A time to think about the year that has passed and prepare for a new one to come.

On this Boxing Day—or whenever you read this—I encourage you to take a pause for reflection as well. What have you accomplished in 2024? Be happy for all that you have worked so hard for, from improving quality to teaching others. Maybe you volunteered on a committee with ACDIS or at your organization. Maybe that’s something you will set as a goal for yourself in 2025.

Whatever it may be, I thank you for being a part of ACDIS in 2024 and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together in 2025.

On behalf of everyone at ACDIS, Happy Boxing Day, Happy Holidays, and very best wishes for a happy, healthy, and rewarding new year.

Editor’s note: Hendren is the director of ACDIS. Contact her at rebecca.hendren@hcpro.com.