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The 16th floor of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston looks like a high-end holiday store. Janet Shamlian has the story.

Houston hospital offers child patients holiday magic beyond the medicine

By Janet Shamlian Dec 20, 2023 | 8:31 PM

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Houston — Eight-year-old William Wilson will spend Christmas in a hospital room fighting a blood disorder.

Surrounded by machines and tubes is not what a child dreams of for the holidays.

But at Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital, there’s a magic beyond the medicine, as decorations help transform the hospital’s 16th floor into what looks more like a high-end holiday store.

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
Themed Christmas trees at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. December 2023. 

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There’s a Barbie-themed tree, a railroad-themed tree, a Houston Astros-themed tree, a Yoda tree and sweet treats-themed tree.

 “It’s so pretty,” patient Marixsa Elizondo said. “It’s so beautiful and colorful!”

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
 

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Each child can choose one special theme for their room, decorated by people who won’t even meet them.

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Wilson went with a Hot Wheels theme.

“I love it,” Wilson said.

Much more than a Christmas tree, it’s the stability of tradition at an uncertain time.

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine

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