Top tips for your stay at hospital this festive season

Crafts are a great way to get you into the festive spirit, and can be made using simple resources. Some might even be able to incorporate hospital related materials.

YouTube always has lots of wonderful ideas for inspiration, and can show you how to make things step by step.

Not only are crafts fun to make, but you can use them to decorate your room or bed space to help get you into the festive spirit.

You can also bring in decorations from home. If you have a resident Elf on the Shelf keep a look out - the Elf can get into all sorts of mischief at the hospital!

Before decorating, please check with your ward team which decorations you are allowed to put up and where to place them to ensure there are no infection or fire risks.

If your child is spending their first Christmas in hospital, try to create some memories or ornaments such as hand/ footprints into Christmas themed images for “My First Christmas”, or “My First Christmas in Hospital.”

Sing hymns or Christmas songs, or sign along using Makaton. If you’re feeling creative, you could even write your own song with the Music Therapist.

Ask friends and family to help spread some festive spirit and record and send a video message. Merge these into a video compilation and make your own collection of festive wishes.

There may be the opportunity to visit Santa, or take part in other themed events. There are also lots of virtual activities you can take part in outside of the hospital too.

Speak to your Play Team to find out what may be available.

If your child is feeling sad about not being at home for the holidays or you want to celebrate with family also, perhaps try and plan an alternative day for celebration for when they're home. This way they don’t feel like they’ve missed out, and it means twice the festivities!

Lots of time being spent in a hospital room means more time to watch movies! Some of our Play Team’s festive favourites include Elf and Home Alone.

If you’re writing to Santa, let him know where you’re staying this year.

To send these to Santa’s workshop, look out for post boxes on some of the wards, or ask the Play Team where you can send it.

Although the festive season might be different this year, don’t put pressure on yourself to make it the most magical season. The team at the hospital will do their best to make it as nice as possible for you.

If you can’t buy presents this year, at GOSH we often have donations that can be gifted to children. If you are concerned about anything speak to a member of the Play Team or ward staff.