MOBILE, Ala. – The forecast called for sunshine mixed with an unseasonal chance of snow flurries at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital on Tuesday when patients gathered in an outdoor courtyard decorated to look like a Christmas tree farm.

As inflatable Santas and reindeer swayed in the breeze, more than 20 patients and caregivers visited the festive spot to pick out miniature trees and shiny ornaments to help bring some cheer to their hospital rooms.

Local Ace Hardware stores provided the trees, plus treats, ornaments, and volunteers to assist with the merrymaking. Ace Hardware is a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals community partner for Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Carlton Paris, co-owner of several Paris Ace Hardware stores on the Gulf Coast, said attending the event along with team members from across the region is something they have looked forward to for months. “It’s everyone’s favorite event that we do all year,” he said. “We love to bring smiles to the patients’ faces.”

Members of the Mapp Child and Family Life Department worked together with other volunteers and staff to create a winter wonderland in the courtyard, then helped patients select trees available in bright shades of turquoise, purple, pink, and lime green.

As upbeat holiday music played, some patients danced in the faux snow, while others sat in wheelchairs, lifting their arms to catch the fluffy white stuff in their hands. The University of South Alabama’s mascot SouthPaw made an appearance, giving fist bumps and dancing with children.

Research shows helping to normalize the hospital experience through celebrations and other events can decrease the anxiety and stress of being hospitalized and often leads to better outcomes for patients. For patients who weren’t able to join the celebration, staff members cheerfully delivered trees, decorations, and treats to their rooms.