13 unforgettable holiday memories from hospices across the UK

Kelly, Admissions Coordinator at Tŷ Hafan, shares a story of a little girl and a Christmas Day in May that she will never forget.

“She was eight years old, exhausted; pale and often impatient as daily tasks took so much time and effort. But she had the brightest eyes, the cheekiest smile and the most mischievous sense of humour... and she was so loved,” said Kelly.

That year had been the toughest year yet for the little girl, full of lengthy hospital admissions, invasive procedures and medication changes trying to manage her symptoms.

All resulted in the same devastating news: she would not make it to see this Christmas.

“If she couldn’t make Christmas, then we would bring Christmas to her” said Kelly.

The Tŷ Hafan team came together the very next day for a magical celebration. Overnight, stockings were filled, a Christmas tree was up and decorated, and the hospice was transformed into a winter wonderland. Together, they pulled crackers around the table, sang Christmas songs and crafted keepsakes. Even Santa made a special appearance.

Kelly shared that everything else that say was simply forgotten: “there was a photo taken of us together, tinsel in our hair, giggling and laughing as she covered me in fake snow and glitter. A little girl, and a May Christmas Day that I will never forget.”

Kim, Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at Keech Hospice Care in Luton, fondly recalls a heart-warming memory of a patient's last Christmas - which the hospice helped bring forward to November for the family to spend together.

"A few years ago there was a patient we were caring for who wanted one last time to join in the Christmas festivities and enjoy a family Christmas with all the traditions and trimmings. 

"It was November but we transformed the Wellbeing Centre into a Christmas grotto filled with decorations, with Christmas music playing. We served them a Christmas dinner - even Father Christmas made a guest appearance! 

"All her family, including the grandchildren, came and joined in. She was determined to not miss out, so we wheeled her down in her bed and she was able to sing carols, have some dinner and most importantly watch her grandchildren open their presents - magical, precious memories they’ll never forget.

"It wasn’t just me that made this happen though; once other people at the hospice heard what we were trying to do, the volunteers flooded in – decorating the room, singing the carols with the family and even borrowing Santa’s outfit for the afternoon – a real heart-warming moment for everyone involved."

This Boxing Day will mark seven years since the death of Sarah Warner’s beloved stepdad, Rob Holmes. Rob spent his last Christmas surrounded by his family at Ashgate Hospice in North Derbyshire, after a six-month battle with lung cancer.

Thanks to the loving team at Ashgate, the family were able to celebrate one last Christmas together, as they tucked into a three-course festive dinner with wine and crackers.

“Ashgate made the hardest, most heart-breaking Christmas a little brighter,” says Sarah.

Three months later, Sarah began volunteering at the hospice, and by 2018, she had secured her dream role as a Healthcare Assistant. 

She reflects on her journey: “I remember Christmas morning; I looked up to see one of the volunteers wearing antlers and funny glasses! It set me off laughing. I thanked him for making me laugh when I didn’t think it was possible. 

“When I came to work at Ashgate, he remembered straight away and gave me a cuddle. We even took a selfie together on the first Christmas Day I worked here, both with our antlers on.”

Healthcare Assistant, Michelle Morse, shared a heartwarming story from one of her Christmas shifts at St Julia’s Hospice in Cornwall. 

Michelle and the team had been pre-warned by their friends that their patient wouldn’t enjoy the upcoming Christmas celebrations, but she was determined to celebrate in her own way. The patient asked for a wheelchair, filled her beaker with Baileys and ice, and joined the carollers in reception.

“She danced, sang along, and swigged down two beakers of Baileys,” adds Michelle. “It was her way of saying, ‘This is my last Christmas, so I’m going to be merry and bright!’”

Sue was 66 when she arrived at St Ann’s Hospice in Manchester, and according to her daughter Gina, she was a “lively, boisterous, playful” person.

Even though Gina found her experience of hospice care during the festive period difficult, she also found it a blessing to have something else to focus on, including a surprise Christmas concert.

“Walking into my mum’s room in the hospice felt peaceful and joyful. If she had been there in the middle of January or February, there wouldn’t have been that community.”

Knowing that her mum wouldn’t make it to Christmas Day, Gina organised their own with the help of the incredible staff at St Ann’s.

“Mum was in her bed and we were all putting Christmas music on and dancing… obviously she couldn't move much but she tied some tinsel around a bowl and put that on her head as a hat. She was using long bits of tinsel to direct us while we were dancing. That just sums my mum up perfectly, she was absolutely bonkers but always made you smile. That was the last bit of energy she had and gave, and it made everybody smile.”

Gina’s mum, Sue, passed away at St Ann’s Hospice on 12 December 2023.

The team at Saint Francis Hospice in Essex knows how important it is for people to make memories with their loved ones. That’s why they chose to take 50 patients and their families on a magical trip to London to see the Christmas lights.

The trip was made possible thanks to a partnership with ACROSS who supplied a ‘Jumbulance’ – a specially adapted coach that is medically equipped so people who are seriously ill are able to travel in a bed.

As the bus made its way to the capital, past the famous landmarks and along Oxford and Bond Street, Christmas music was played and people enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and treats.

Nick Brennan, who was with his wife Carla and their three children, said, “My wife was admitted to Saint Francis Hospice for palliative care, and we were invited to go as a family on the Jumbulance to see the lights.

“It will be one of our last trips out as a family and the staff on board could not have done more for us. It really was a magical experience and we will forever be grateful.”

On the Sunday young adults with a life-limiting condition who were under the care of a children’s hospice, and who attend our Young Adults Group at Saint Francis, also had the opportunity to enjoy the lights with their families.  

Tracey, who came along with her daughter Ashley (pictured at top of page), said, “A big thank you all the Saint Francis Hospice team for arranging the Christmas lights trip. 

“It was a lovely, relaxing trip and all the little treats on board the bus made it extra special. We would also like to thank you for continuing to support young adults. It is much appreciated.”

Staff at St. Julia’s Hospice in Hayle, Cornwall, made New Year’s Eve unforgettable for a young patient last year.

Staff Nurse Amy Scott and Healthcare Assistants Jenny Costello and Amanda Partridge brought festive cheer to their night shift by sharing party food and non-alcoholic prosecco with colleagues. Jenny, who had lived in Spain, also introduced thea Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.

As the clock approached midnight, the team entered the patient’s room dressed in festive outfits. Together, they watched fireworks on TV, attempted the 12-grape challenge, and linked arms around the patient’s bed to sing Auld Lang Syne.

“We all had a good giggle, especially trying to eat 12 grapes in quick succession,” they shared. “We like to think we made that night special for her. None of us knew it at the time, but it was actually her last New Year’s Eve.”

For Jason, Housekeeping Team Leader at Martlets Hospice in Brighton, Christmas at the hospice is all about family – whether it’s your own or the one you find at work.

“Christmas can be about family and sharing it with kids and so on. But not everyone has that set up and in previous years it has felt like a big family at Martlets on Christmas Day,” comments Jason. “Working at Christmas can take your mind off other things and give you a focus.”

Over the past eight years of working on Christmas day, Jason has witnessed many magical moments of the season unfold.

“It’s a special time and I look forward to doing it. One time there were about 20 of us all dressed up on Christmas Day as different festive characters and it was brilliant.

“It’s just nice to have that little bit of fun and to bring some joy to the patients.”

Always his favourite time of year, Glyn had one wish – to spend one last Christmas at home. But, on 23 December, Glyn arrived at Lindsey Lodge Hospice in North Lincolnshire. Suddenly his dream seemed increasingly out of reach.

The committed team at Lindsey Lodge worked tirelessly  to stabilise him, and by Christmas Eve, their dedication had paid off.

“Glyn made it clear his goal was to be home for Christmas, and we were determined to help him achieve it,” shared Elaine, Inpatient Unit Manager. “It’s a memory we’ll always treasure.”

For Ruth, Glyn’s wife, it was nothing short of a miracle. “There were so many times we thought it wouldn’t happen. The best Christmas gift is the gift of love, and that’s what they gave us.”

Glyn continued under the care of Lindsey Lodge until he died on 10 January 2020.

Each Christmas, Forest Holme Hospice in Poole organises ‘12 Days of Christmas.’ It’s a series of activities, treats and surprises to help leave lasting memories of Christmas cheer for those in their care, their families, and for staff.

In the run-up to the big day, the hospice arranges live performances from dancers, musicians, and choirs, as well as distributing gifts, pizzas and hot chocolate.  

One of the highlights is a visit from a therapy donkey, courtesy of Kelly’s Donkeys, who visits and meets with patients, visitors, and staff.  

Paul Tucker, Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said, “We want to do everything possible to make Christmas truly memorable, especially as for many this Christmas will be their last. We are extremely grateful to everyone that helps make these 12 days truly magical.”

When one patient at Strathcarron Hospice in Scotland faced the heartbreaking reality of not living to see Christmas, the hospice team stepped up to create an early festive celebration.

Supported by the hospice's dedicated palliative care specialists, the patient could manage their pain and enjoy the special day with their family. 

Some volunteers even came in dressed as Santa and his elves, handing out presents to the children, making sure that everyone across the hospice could celebrate Christmas Day.

Christmas has always been about family, and for Chris, that meant being alongside her sister Kath, who died at Princess Alice Hospice in Surrey in November 2013.

“We had spent every Christmas Day together since I was born in 1956, so this year would be the first one without her. I didn’t know how I was going to get through it,” Chris shares.

“As soon as we walked through the door, I felt this indescribable feeling of peace wash over me and the staff were all so kind and welcoming. We had a traditional lunch, and the atmosphere was so amazingly calm and tranquil. 

“It was the best thing we could have done and somehow, we all felt so close to Kath there.”

Every year since, Chris and her partner spend time at the hospice around Christmas, walking through the gardens and having lunch. 

“We both say how it’s a magical place. Princess Alice Hospice is a truly wonderful place and makes Christmas for me more bearable for me each year.”

Gracie’s sister, Emily, has a life-limiting illness, which means she’s wheelchair bound and struggles with all aspects of life. 

For Gracie, every Christmas with Emily is special, which is why it’s so important to make every year extra special.

Gracie reflects on her Christmas memories with her sister: “It didn’t matter if her meds were five minutes late because we were having too much fun.”

“I remember my dad still passing her the presents to open herself even though over the years she has lost the ability to use her limbs, yet her she was so excited when passed a present. She had also lost her eyesight so whenever we asked her “do you know what that is?” and she said yes, we knew she was fibbing, but who cares, at least she was happy!”

Emily is supported by Dorothy House and visits the Day Patient Unit, which she loves.

“We know that she is safe and loved here and it's lovely seeing her smile. Dorothy House is very special for not only my sister, but also the whole family, which is why I ended up working here as well, so it will always hold a special place in all our hearts” says Gracie.