‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through The University New Mexico Hospital, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, several elves and the Grinch decked the unit halls and visited with patients and families who are unable to spend the holidays at home this year.
Even though it’s his busy season, Saint Nick set aside some time Thursday morning to deliver toys and smiles to UNM Children’s Hospital, including the inpatient and infusion clinics.
He temporarily traded in reindeer for a helicopter ride from UNM Hospital Lifeguard to his first stop of the day, UNM Hospital Child Life, followed by a second stop at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center - A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC).
Child Life Director Ana Bacon said it is important to bring the holidays to the hospital every year, because there are always dozens of families who can’t leave to celebrate.
“We just have to make sure that our kids are not forgotten, and our parents understand Santa is still thinking about them. Santa will be here to help celebrate with them and help normalize what’s going on here in the hospital.”
That is something UNM Hospital’s Grinch, aka Joseph Morales, understands personally.
Earlier this year, the HSC Newsroom shared the Morales family’s story. Joseph’s three-year-old son Harlan, has been treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at UNM Children’s Hospital for several months. Because the family is based in Ruidoso, UNM Child Life and the Ronald McDonald House became their homes away from home in 2024 – places where Joseph, his wife and two sons struggled to find a new “normal.”
Harlan’s father, clad head-to-toe in a fuzzy green Grinch costume, said that’s difficult, but not impossible.
“Christmas has always been a big tradition for us,” Joseph Morales said. “My family is going to have to spend Christmas here, so we just wanted to spread a little joy and laughter to the other families like us, who have to be here.”
The Grinch character sparked joy for patients, mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and hospital employees who got to see a new, more mischievous, side to Joseph Morales.
“It's such a tight-knit group of, not only the parents, but the nurses, doctors and everybody here,” he said. “It's all on a first-name basis.”
Now, the former grouch whose heart has grown considerably since he stole Christmas all those years ago, is on a first-name basis with Santa too!
Before Mr. and Mrs. Claus headed back to the North Pole, they flew to SRMC to visit with patients and employees on every floor there as well.
“We look forward to Santa’s visit every year at SRMC! He, along with Mrs. Claus and the elves, bring so much joy to our team, our patients and their families. We appreciate everyone who helps spread holiday cheer throughout our hospital. It’s truly a magical and fun day!”
Truly a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season for all.