013: Sorting, Supporting & Navigating December in a Children's Hospital
Written while listening to "Zoey Deschenal Holiday Songs"
Before we get to the newsletter, I wanted to let you know we’ve officially opened up spots for the How to Build a Business in Child Life course for January 2026.
We’ve had over 50 CCLS go through the program and more than a dozen have already started growing their own businesses and child life practice. This course WORKS.
If this has ever been a dream for you, do not miss the opportunity before all of the spots are taken! Oh, and when you sign up you get immediate access to the Child Life Circle (2 PDUs a month) and a 60+ page download with our exclusive How to Build a Business in Child Life starter kit!
Would You Take the Magic Wand?
If you had handed me a magic wand during the hospital holiday season and told me it could sort and distribute every donation without me lifting a finger… would I have used it?
Honestly? No.
Some of my favorite memories from work come from the chaos of donation season. From Santa’s Donation Day to sorting endless brown boxes in the “dungeon” next to broken office chairs and treadmills (?!) those are the moments I still carry with me.
Every toy handed out, every box opened is a reminder of the community outside the hospital walls showing up for people they’ll never meet.
Holiday donations do more than fill our playrooms and prize closets. They remind staff we’re not alone in caring for our patients. They give tired parents a way to provide presents for their kids without added financial stress. They replace broken crayons and restock essentials for the months ahead.
And for a toasty CCLS like me? They offered a moment to trade direct care for some holiday tunes and toy organizing… a different kind of meaningful work.
So here’s to you, my friend! Sorting, supporting, and navigating big feelings this season. Thank you for showing up in every way you do.
Now I’ll ask you the same question: If you had the magic wand that could organize it all for you… would you take it?
Child Life In The News
Child Life specialists made headlines this month more than usual and I wanted to highlight some of their great work.
At Hope & Heroes, a regional nonprofit serving over 1,000 newly diagnosed children annually across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, CCLS Nitza was part of the comprehensive care team supporting young Rhett through his cancer treatment. The program’s Integrative Therapies (including acupuncture, aromatherapy, Reiki, and breathing exercises) helped Rhett manage pain and find moments of calm during overwhelming days. His family remembered the entire team, from front desk staff to integrative medicine practitioners, for treating Rhett like any other kid and never giving up on that normalcy that mattered more than anyone could imagine.
Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital continued its annual “Making Spirits Bright” tradition, bringing holiday joy to young cancer patients. Child Life specialist Ellie Yoshioka reflected on how this tradition lifts both patients and staff during a challenging season.
Baylor Scott & White Health palliative care CCLS Taylor-Grace Freiberg was nominated for the 2025 D CEO Healthcare Awards in the Outstanding Healthcare Advocate Category. While completing her Master’s in Counseling, internships, and LPC-A credential—all while working full time—Taylor-Grace has championed psychosocial support for the often-overlooked youngest family members: children loved by adult patients with serious or terminal conditions.
And at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, their comfort dog program continues brightening tough days for families—another example of the creative, compassionate support Child Life and our furriest friends brings to pediatric care.
Have something you want to share about your hospital or private practice? Tell me in the comments!
Resources for Families: CoachArt December Programming
CoachArt is offering free group programs throughout December for children with chronic illness and their siblings. This month’s lineup includes hands-on creative activities like Gingerbread Architecture, Clay Creations, Stained Glass Ornaments, Australian Fauna art, Stuffed Animals, and Winter Card Making.
Families can also request individual coaching through the CoachArt Connect app for one-on-one lessons in subjects of their choice, giving kids a chance to explore interests and build skills outside the hospital walls.
These programs offer more than just creative outlets. They’re moments of normalcy, connection, and joy during a season that can feel overwhelming for families managing treatment schedules and hospital visits.
Learn more and register at CoachArt.org.
As always, I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read my article today.
Gratefully,
Katie
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Love celebrating all the different holidays with the children/ patients, and their families this time of year and year round about what’s important to them!