A holiday in the hospital is far from ideal. However, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, extra measures are taken to ensure the holiday magic finds everyone where they are. This endeavor is made possible by the combined efforts of employees, volunteers and community partners.
One initiative is the Angel Tree program, where hospital employees adopt 75 to 100 children in the foster care system. By providing Christmas gifts, this tradition not only brightens the holiday season for these children but also reminds them they are cherished and not forgotten.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, music fills the hospital hallways as children from Calvary Baptist Church spread holiday cheer through song. Led by Children’s Music Minister Shari Griffin, nearly two dozen students visited Dec. 17, serenading patients and staff with Christmas carols at nurses’ stations, the mother-baby unit and patient rooms.
Through the “Be a Santa for a Senior” program, 25 seniors are adopted each year at Baptist Hospitals, along with 25 cancer patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.
For the youngest patients, Evangeline’s Stocking Drive ensures the magic of Christmas reaches children in the Pediatric ER and those in for outpatient day surgeries. Stockings filled with goodies bring delight to approximately 50 children. Additionally, toys donated by the Zeta Beta Sorority at Lamar University are distributed to children spending their holidays in the hospital.
Music continues to play a central role in the holiday celebrations. For two decades now, Paradocs: The Jazz Daddies, led by Dr. Bert Brown, has performed holiday music in the hospital’s main lobby. This year, their performance Dec. 23 near the giant Christmas tree filled the space with festive cheer, uplifting patients and staff alike.
The hospital also creates opportunities for connection through special events. Dec. 3, the annual NICU reunion welcomed families of babies born in the NICU. The gathering allowed families to reconnect with doctors and nurses, enjoy cookies and milk and take photos with Santa. Even pet therapy dogs joined in.
Patients at the Cancer Center were treated to a festive party, complete with food, entertainment and gifts, providing a welcome respite for patients and their families during challenging times.
Throughout the hospital, dozens of Christmas trees are decorated, turning the facility into a winter wonderland. Christmas Day, the holiday spirit remains strong. Employees working the holiday are treated to a complimentary Christmas dinner, while patients receive a traditional holiday meal.
Through music, gifts and gatherings, the hospital’s team works to prove that even in the most challenging times, the spirit of Christmas can shine brightly for all.