Christmas is a time for family, love, and joy – but, for children and families spending the holiday in the pediatric unit of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth Hospital, the season comes with its own challenges. However; thanks to the efforts of hospital staff, volunteers and the Children’s Miracle Network, the magic of Christmas isn’t left at the hospital doors.
Morgan Cornelius, a child life specialist at St. Elizabeth, is experiencing her first Christmas in this role, and her passion for making the holiday special is already on display.
“In the pediatric unit, we have a lot of decorations and volunteers who paint the doors,” she said. “They stuff stockings and pass them out a few days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Day, we let the parents ‘shop’ for their kids. They wrap the presents and deliver them to the rooms.”
For many children in the hospital, one of the biggest concerns is whether Santa will know where to find them. Cornelius shared, “Sometimes the kids are nervous Santa may not know where to find them. You can’t be at home and do your typical routine, so they ask, ‘Does Santa come to the hospital?’”
The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Through donations and funds from the Children’s Miracle Network, the pediatric unit is stocked with toys to fill the gap for parents who may not have had the chance to shop. These donations also extend to siblings, ensuring the entire family is included.
Caralee Thompson, program manager for the Children’s Miracle Network under the CHRISTUS SETX Foundation, works closely with Cornelius to make this magic happen. “Leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Day, we work with Morgan to make sure they have the best possible Christmas in the hospital,” Thompson explained. “We keep them stocked with toys to help parents and give kids some normalcy.”
Thompson and her team also maintain a pediatric needs closet stocked with essentials, from onesies to hygiene items. This support extends to emergency room visits, where special themed hospital gowns, blankets and stuffed animals await children admitted unexpectedly during the holidays.
Thompson highlighted the hospital’s long-standing commitment to making a difference. “A nurse for 20 years kept an underwear drawer stocked out of her pocket, and we stepped in to handle that,” she said. “We just make sure Morgan has all the life-saving equipment she needs and everything down to the small touches that helps it feel more like home.”