NICU Nurses Help Preemie Babies Write Letters to Santa for Their First Christmas
Spending the holidays in the neonatal intensive care unit is not what most families imagine when welcoming a newborn. At Methodist Hospital Westover Hills in San Antonio, NICU nurses are working to make that experience more meaningful by helping families create keepsake letters from their babies to Santa.
The holiday activity is designed to give families a way to mark their child’s first holiday season while navigating the emotional and medical challenges of a NICU stay. Nurses assist parents in writing the letters on behalf of their infants, creating a personal memento that families can keep long after discharge.
Supporting Families During a Stressful Time
Hospitalization in the NICU can be emotionally difficult for families. Research in pediatric and neonatal journals has shown that many parents of NICU patients experience stress, anxiety, and trauma during hospitalization. . Family centered activities are often used in NICUs to help parents feel connected to their baby and to reduce emotional strain.
The Santa letter activity gives families a way to focus on something positive while still remaining present in their child’s care. Rather than focusing on toys or gifts, many of the letters reflect simple wishes such as spending time together, hearing bedtime stories, or celebrating milestones after discharge.
Creating a Family Centered NICU Environment
Methodist Hospital Westover Hills has private NICU rooms that allow families to stay involved in their baby’s care. These rooms support bonding, skin to skin contact, and participation in daily care routines, which are important for infant development and parent confidence.
Holiday activities such as the Santa letters fit into this family centered model by allowing parents to create meaningful memories during a time that can otherwise possibly feel clinical and overwhelming.
The Role of Nurses in Family Centered Care
NICU nurses often play a key role in supporting both the medical and emotional needs of families. In addition to providing specialized clinical care, nurses help parents navigate stress, uncertainty, and long hospital stays.
Small activities such as holiday traditions, keepsakes, and personalized moments are commonly used in NICUs to help families feel connected and supported. These efforts reflect a broader focus in neonatal care on treating not only the infant, but also the family as part of the care team.
For families spending their first holidays in the NICU, activities like the Santa letters offer a way to mark an important moment in their child’s life. The keepsakes provide a reminder of resilience, care, and the support families received during a challenging time.
While the medical focus remains on helping babies grow and recover, these traditions highlight the important role nurses play in creating an environment that supports both physical and emotional healing.
🤔Nurses, share your thoughts below.
