‘We can bring the Santa magic back’: Santa makes a stop at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital
Santa Claus brought holiday cheer from the North Pole to patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital on Dec. 4.
“Most of the families here at the Children’s Hospital didn’t expect to be here,” said Ashley Kane, Child Life Program manager. “When they’re caught up in the midst of their diagnosis, treatment and care, Santa’s visit brings a moment of relief, fun, joy, happiness and smiles.”
Instead of flying in his sleigh, Santa rode to the hospital in a fire truck with the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department. The squad raised the ladder so the jolly old elf could wave to patients and families through the windows of the eight-story building. Then, Santa went inside to greet patients, exchange fist bumps and deliver gifts – teething toys for the infants and plush toys for the older children.
‘Something to look forward to’
When 5-year-old Bella Bryden found out Santa was visiting, she dressed up in a multicolored light-up dress she got a few weeks ago on her birthday. She usually enjoys seeing colorful outdoor lights during the holiday season.
“It was nice that we were able to see Santa because we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” said Nicolena Bryden, Bella’s mother. “It gave her something to look forward to today, especially because we’re in isolation and can’t leave the room.” Isolation helps protect young patients with weakened immune systems from the spread of illness.
Santa gave Bella a stuffed penguin. She named it Snuggles and placed it next to her beloved plush giraffe and manta ray. Bella gave Santa something, too — cards and drawings she made with construction paper as she awaited his arrival.
Making holiday memories
The Child Life Program coordinates Santa’s yearly visit to the Children’s Hospital. Child Life helps create normalcy, comfort and special memories that patients and families can cherish long after their stays at the hospital.
“Kids who aren’t hospitalized might be going to a holiday parade or a shop to visit Santa, so we try to make those things possible here,” Kane said. “Families will sometimes tell us that they have never seen their child this excited to see Santa. Maybe they were on the verge of thinking Santa isn’t real, but we can bring the Santa magic back.”
The Child Life team worked like secret elves to ensure Santa was ready to talk about things he should know, like each patient’s favorite book, sport or school subject.
When Santa visited 8-year-old Asher Brown, they discussed their mutual love of math. “He uses math to guide the sleigh,” said Asher.
Asher wants to be home by Dec. 15, when his siblings start their holiday breaks from school. The Brown family always cuts down a fresh Christmas tree. Asher looks forward to hanging his favorite ornament, a Disney character that sings at the press of a button.
For the hospital’s youngest patients – babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) – their first visit with Santa is a priceless memory for their families. Samantha Houtz was excited to capture a photo of her 4-week-old son, Parker, with Santa. This event was a bright spot during a difficult season for Houtz, a benefits specialist at Penn State Health.
“Someone once told me that when you’re in the NICU, it’s a roller coaster, and it is – it’s ups and downs,” said Houtz. “Everything the Child Life specialists, and everyone, does, is so appreciated. It means the world.”
Working together to create magic
Colleagues in Safety and Security, Facilities and event planning also helped the Child Life team bring Santa to the Children’s Hospital.
“Anything we do here in the Children’s Hospital is always thanks to the community supporting one another, making events like this possible,” Kane said.
Another key partner was the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department, which helped Santa arrive in style for the second year in a row. A fire truck alone can make a child smile with awe at its shiny exterior, tall ladder and bright lights. Seeing jolly Santa on a fire truck can be an even more profound experience for kids who have experienced emergencies.
“To have a fire truck show up here with Santa on board can help de-escalate fear of fire trucks, emergencies, flashing lights and sirens and create a more child-friendly, enjoyable memory,” said Kane.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.