GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Santa Claus paid a visit to the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Monday, December 22, 2025 and visited with the tiny fighters and their families. Santa spent time with the babies and spread cheer to their families who are celebrating their child’s first holiday season.
“Having a baby in the NICU is never something parents anticipate, and the holiday season can make the experience even more challenging,” said Kirstie Dixon, clinical services manager, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU. “Our NICU team is dedicated to bringing comfort and special moments to these infants and their families in every way we can.”
The babies are not able to leave the hospital for a traditional first visit to Santa, so one of the NICU Cuddlers –– a specially trained volunteer who helps hold the NICU babies and provides extra support –– dressed up as Santa and visited, taking a photo with each baby.
“Our goal with holiday photos is to bring JOY and a sense of normalcy to families and staff during a season most long to spend at home, surrounded by loved ones,” said Lauren TerHorst, RN, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU. “We hope these photos create lasting memories that families can look back on as a joyful moment during their NICU stay. As nurses, we have so much fun getting the babies all dressed up for Santa, creating individualized Christmas themed costumes, and capturing these special moments! In the NICU, every milestone and holiday is a chance to celebrate the happiness these little ones bring.”
Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Level III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. We have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces. To learn more about our NICU services, visit our website.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading healthcare provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 26,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of ten hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Byron Center, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Oakland and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,410 beds and 5,729 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.74 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $232.2 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 17 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.
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