Holiday Celebrations
St. Mark’s Hospital
Chaplain Intern Timothy Higdon is coordinating a festive Christmas Eve Celebration at St. Mark’s Hospital. The morning begins with the Luminous Jazz Ensemble to fill the hospital with joyful holiday music favorites: Main lobby near the fireplace from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
At 11:00 a.m., a short Candlelight Service will follow, featuring holiday readings and singing. From from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., chaplains and volunteers will share cookies and hot cocoa with hospital staff, spreading comfort, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas to patients, families, and staff.
Mountainview Hospital
From December 22–31, Mountain View Hospital will host a Gratitude Tree, offering employees, patients, and visitors a welcoming place to express gratitude, hope, and encouragement during this special season. Gratitude transcends culture, belief, and circumstance, making this simple practice inviting for everyone.
Participants are encouraged to write their messages on colorful paper “leaves” and place them on the tree, which will gradually bloom into a vibrant expression of appreciation and positivity. The Gratitude Tree nurtures emotional well-being, strengthens community, and infuses the hospital with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. It may even become a treasured annual tradition, with the possibility of archiving messages for future reflection and remembrance.
Senior Living Facilities
Residents at St. Mark’s Tower will enjoy A Little Christmas Party & White Elephant Celebration on Wednesday, December 17, at 2:00 p.m., co-sponsored by Tower leadership and ECS Spiritual Care. On Tuesday, December 23, residents at St. Mark’s Millcreek will gather for a festive Christmas Lunch and White Elephant Celebration at 12:30 p.m., co-sponsored with ECS. Millcreek will also host a reflective ritual on Tuesday, December 29, at 2:00 p.m. to “Reflect on 2025 & Welcome 2026.” Finally, St. Mark’s Tower residents are invited to a closing ritual on Wednesday, December 31 at 1:00 p.m. to “Escort 2025 Out & Welcome 2026 In,” offered by ECS Spiritual Care.
