St. Jude patient Charlie
Celebrating Christmas in the hospital
St. Jude patient families share how they spent Christmas at the hospital and ways to brighten the holidays if someone you know is in the hospital too.
As a first-time mommy, I was so excited about our baby Felicity’s first Christmas. I never imagined we would be in the hospital for it.
- Felicity's mom, Mandy
Felicity's four-month checkup led to the discovery of multiple aggressive tumors in her brain and spine, which led to her family being inpatient at St. Jude Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It's easy to feel alone during the holidays when everybody's with family, but we didn't feel alone here.
- St. Jude patient Shayla's mom
Shayla was being treated at St. Jude for acute myeloid leukemia when she and her mother spent Christmas at the hospital housing facilites, where they opened gifts with their family over Facetime.
St. Jude patient Shayla when she was being treated at St. Jude at Christmastime.
Patient Charlie while he was being treated at St. Jude at Christmastime.
We remember her every year on Christmas Day, but actually being in the same place, the same grounds, on that same day. It was eerie. It was strange. But there was a sense of peace, too. An odd sense of peace.
- St. Jude patient Charlie's mom
Decades before Charlie was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2020, his aunt had received cancer treatment at St. Jude. She did not survive, passing away as a child on Christmas Day.
Charlie completed treatment, and his scans have remained clear.
1.
Bring in string lights or candles with batteries to give your room a cozy glow.
Art by St. Jude patient Ty
Art by St. Jude patient Roman
2.
Decorate with special items from home to make the hospital room feel more familiar.
3.
Share homemade holiday treats together for a yummy addition to meals.
Art by St. Jude patient Tyler
Art by St. Jude patient Sydney
4.
Wrap presents with bows and set them all around to make the room feel festive.
5.
Dress up as Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause or an elf, and put a smile on everyone's face.
Art by St. Jude patient Arshaun
Get to know St. Jude
-
We give thanks for you
We give thanks for you. Because of your support. families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
-
St. Jude Gift Shop holiday gifts
Help St. Jude kids by shopping in the St. Jude Gift Shop. Find presents that make a difference for your friends and family and help end childhood cancer.
-
Why support St. Jude?
Discover why you should support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in our lifesaving mission to find cures for childhood cancer.
-
Explore holiday donations and gifts that help St. Jude
Explore how you can donate to charity through holiday gift giving during St. Jude Thanks and Giving®.
Art by St. Jude patient Sydney
6.
Make paper snowflakes or a garland chain to hang in the window for a fun activity to pass the time.
7.
Offer a new surprise everyday with stockings filled with small gifts or candy.
Art by St. Jude patient Caleb
Art by St. Jude patient Karina
8.
Sing your favorite songs together to karaoke music with printed off lyrics.
9.
Bring in holiday movies to watch together — with popcorn!
Art by St. Jude patient Reid
Art by St. Jude patient Aisling
10.
Most importantly, "Don't give up! Keep going!"
