How hospices give the gift of time at Christmas

Lee was admitted to Teesside Hospice's In-Patient Unit in December 2024 and spent his final Christmas at the hospice.

The family hadn't made any plans for Christmas as Lee had previously been told during a hospital stay that it was unlikely he would survive that long. However, Lee got his wish to attend church on Christmas Eve, with support from our team. He was also able to fulfil their family Christmas tradition – reading the book 'The Night Before Christmas' to his children – which is something they'd been doing each Christmas Eve since their daughter was born, and felt blessed to do one more time. 

Lee also wanted to be able to enjoy New Year's Eve night and thanks to our team providing care and comfort. He headed home to mark the occasion before returning to the hospice at 1:30am! 
 

In December 2022, at 66 years old, Charley was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He was cared for by the team at Dorothy House Hospice, in Wiltshire. His last Christmas was described by his wife, Sue, as ‘different and difficult’ – but the hospice staff were on hand to help:

“Everyone we met at Dorothy House was superbly professional, fantastically knowledgeable…we just felt very much at home. Dorothy House also empowered me to be a brilliant advocate for Charley. I’m sure Charley wouldn’t have lived as well or as long had he not had that advocacy.

“Charley’s last Christmas was different and difficult, but he was able to be at home and have things the way we wanted them to be. To know that at any moment we could pick up the phone to Dorothy House and there would be somebody who would offer us support gave us tremendous confidence.” 
 

As a Family Support Worker at St Giles Hospice in Staffordshire, Jane Morris’s role is to help families, including children, talk about their grief and loss. She works with young people whose loved one has died, helping them navigate key events, such as that first Christmas without a parent.

Jane said: “It’s such a difficult time – the people who made Christmas magical, who made it special, are not there anymore.
“We try to support families through these moments and give them the tools to help them move forward. We help children find ways to remember their loved ones with warmth and to carry their memory forward in small but meaningful ways.”

Jane has worked at St Giles for five years, and every Christmas she organises a singalong on the Inpatient Unit, gathering families, staff, and volunteers to sing carols around the piano. Before joining St Giles, she was a music teacher, and she has seen first-hand how music can bring connection and comfort, even in the toughest of times.

Jane added: “When the carols begin, something changes,” she says. “People smile, hold hands, and for a few moments, hearts are uplifted. That’s why I do it every year.”
 

When Emma, just 26, came to St Michael’s Hospice before Christmas in 2024, the team gave her family the most precious gift: time together. 

She spent moments with friends, listening to music and sharing memories with family. The team also arranged a beautiful partnership ceremony for her and boyfriend, James, that her grandparents in Spain joined virtually. Her mum, Sarah, said, “the little details made all the difference,” like the Christmas wreath on her bedroom door and a nightlight that brought comfort in quiet evenings. It’s moments like these, made possible by hospice care, that will be treasured forever.

Read the original story on St Michael's website.
 

Last Christmas, baby Simba was seriously ill, and his parents feared they wouldn’t have much time left together. Referred to Martin House, Yorkshire, in December, the family joined the hospice's Christmas party – a turning point that helped them reclaim joy at the most difficult time. Simba danced with princesses, met Santa, and his parents were able to simply be together without the fear and pressure of hospital care.

Simba’s condition stabilised over Christmas, and thanks to the support of Martin House, his family were able to make treasured memories during an incredibly uncertain time.
 

Katie Brammer's husband, Steve, was cared for by staff at Prospect Hospice in Wiltshire at a particularly difficult time for their young family, giving them the gift of time: "Prospect Hospice became our home for six weeks. The doctors and nurses gave us precious time together – time to laugh, to talk, and to just be a family. 

"They made small moments special, like preparing his favourite cheese platter and decorating his room with Disney for our boys, Jack and Charlie. Prospect helped us through every step, and even after Steve died, they supported me and the boys to find hope again. Their care gave us time, love, and memories that will last a lifetime."
 

Each Christmas Day at Sobell House Hospice in Oxfordshire, Chef Spence cooks with love – making sure that everyone at the hospice enjoys a special moment together:

“For me, it’s about bringing familiarity to a day that can feel anything but. There’s turkey, stuffing, Christmas pudding, and crackers for everyone. I’ll arrive early to make sure breakfast is special too: scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and even a little caviar. It’s Christmas, why not?!

"For patients who can’t eat solid foods I carefully puree their meals, because even if it looks a little different, it should still taste like the flavours and comfort of Christmas.

"I’ll never forget one family; the mum joined her teenage children for Christmas lunch but died later that evening. But they’d shared one last Christmas meal together – a priceless moment – that’s why it matters.”
 

Wendy Armes, Nurse at Helen & Douglas House in Gloucestershire, shares Nicole’s story from Christmas 2023:

"Nicole was staying at the hospice for end-of-life care, and whilst we couldn’t change her prognosis, we could make her last Christmas as joyful as possible – for her and the whole family (including the dog!)

"Nicole was obsessed with ducks, so while she peacefully slept on Christmas Eve, the nurses got to work transforming her room, making sure she would wake to an amazing surprise.

"Fulfilling Nicole’s wishes, colleagues also ordered fabric hearts for each member of her family and helped her to record an audio message that would play when the heart was pressed. The team wrapped each gift, keeping them secret until Christmas Day when Nicole gave them out. The look on everyone’s faces as they opened their present was so special."

Nicole’s mum, Bethan, said, “you would not think that looking at us all laughing and joking and enjoying ourselves, that Nicole was so sick, but that's what Helen & Douglas House makes possible – normality in the most ridiculous circumstances.”
 

Mary has volunteered for Hospiscare in Exeter for over 40 years. She shares why it’s been such a big part of her life, becoming even more so when her husband, Trevor, became seriously ill:

"My darling husband, Trevor, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Hospiscare enabled us to be a family again; they helped turn our dining room into a bedroom for Trevor with a hospital bed. 

"My birthday is on Christmas Day, and on Christmas Eve, noting the worry on our faces, one of the nurses said ‘Trevor will be the true gentleman right to the end. I don’t think he’ll die on your birthday.’"

"She was right, I spent my last birthday and Christmas with my love. Trevor passed away on Boxing Day – peaceful and calm with his family around him, as he would have wanted. He was the true gent right to the end.”
 

“The Christmas present was mum being with us.”

When Allen Mills’ mum, Susan, came to St Christopher’s in late November 2024, her family thought she might only have a few days to live. But in her typical, determined way, Susan managed six weeks – long enough to share one more Christmas with her husband and three children.

On Christmas Day itself, the family sat together in the café and had dinner with Susan, sharing stories – an experience that has left Allen with a positive memory of one of the most difficult times of his life. The quality of the dinner itself was a surprise too, for both Allen and Susan – who enjoyed hers so much that she had two!
 

Like her colleague Annemarie, who in 2023 described how she puts her own emotions aside each Christmas Day, Helen shares what she loves most about working at Wakefield Hospice at Christmas time:

"When I started working at Wakefield Hospice, many assumed the work would be depressing, but I can honestly say after 22 years, I know it’s anything but. Yes, it can be sad, but it’s a privilege to bring comfort, dignity and reassurance to people at the hardest time in their lives.

"Christmas is no different, in fact, it’s my favourite time of the year to be here.

"We help patients manage symptoms so they can enjoy precious moments, whether that means going home or celebrating with loved ones here at the hospice. On Christmas Day we fill the hospice with warmth, laughter and care – Christmas dinner, presents, even crackers – we try to make it as special and experience as it can be.

"Sharing someone’s final Christmas is such an honour and honestly reminds me why I do what I do… I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."
 

In December 2024, Milly was being cared for at Coventry Myton Hospice. As Christmas approached, Milly wanted her daughters, aged six and four, to have lasting memories of their time together, so they began creating memory boxes with the help of the hospice's Activities Coordinator. 

Milly said: “Having something like this available at Myton is incredible and really shows the depth of palliative care – they’re willing to help in any way they can. 

"It’s the little things that mean the most. Like the memory boxes and having the children’s toys in the common area so they can play. The nurses greet them like they’re family and love having them around. That’s the difference between a place like Myton and a hospital.”

Milly died on 3rd December, aged just 38. 
 

Leonore Lord-Patterson shares how her sister Wendy spent Christmas on the ward at Saint Francis Hospice in Essex:  

“It was Christmas, and Christmas at the hospice was a special time...I remember going to visit Wendy one day and I couldn't find her. She was off shopping at the Christmas Market in the charity's education centre and she had bought lots of gifts for people. 

“She would often disappear off at the hospice – it was the only time when she was able to be by herself and be safe. Sometimes she would go to the quiet space to pray. She found a lot of peace in that.” 
 

Gary, who was receiving palliative care at East Cheshire Hospice, was not be well enough to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day. So in an act of true love and kindness, the hospice's compassionate staff decided to bring the magic of Christmas to him and his family a little early.

Surrounded by the warmth of his loved ones, including his amazing wife Neung and their resilient young son Isaac, East Cheshire's inpatient unit transformed into a winter wonderland filled with love and joy.

Santa himself even made a special visit, delivering smiles, laughter, and presents that lit up the IPU. It was a celebration of life, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.
 

For children like Ophelia, Hospice in the Weald for Children’s Christmas party is more than just a celebration – it’s a rare chance to experience the magic of Christmas without barriers.

Many children who receive care from the hospice can’t join in with traditional festive events – but thanks to the dedicated team, this is a celebration where every child belongs.

“Ophelia loves these parties, we all do,” said Emma, mum to Ophelia. “We’d never been to anything so tailored to Ophelia’s needs. Father Christmas’s presents are even tailored to each child. It makes me quite emotional to be able to attend something so inclusive. It’s nice to meet other families, too.”

With sensory-based entertainment, music and activities, there is something for everyone.

Hayley Radcliffe, Children’s Support Worker, added: “Seeing the smiles and interaction is what Christmas is all about.” 

Hospice in the Weald for Children helps children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Kent and East Sussex make the most of every day with their families.
 

Amanda’s daughter, Michelle, 42, was receiving end-of-life care at Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes this time last year. 

“Michelle had stage 4 bowel cancer,” says Amanda. “When the hospital doctors told us she had only days left to live, we were desperate to get her to Willen Hospice, and we did. We thought we’d be there for the weekend. 

“As it got nearer Christmas, I thought a miracle was happening. Michelle was able to walk, which she couldn’t do when she arrived at the hospice. She wanted to join in everything. 

“In the time she stayed there, Willen Hospice gave us Michelle back, so she could do things she was desperate to do. She wrote letters to her three children, to her brother, to her husband, to her stepdad, and one to me, which I treasure. 

"Michelle wanted to have Christmas early, in case she wasn’t well enough, and the nurses helped us arrange that. I didn’t see it as a sad day. It was a happy time because we were able to make those lovely memories with our darling Michelle.  

“Willen gave Michelle and her family quality time to tie up her loose ends and to say goodbye.”
 

Last Christmas, the Care Team at Fair Havens Hospice in Essex sprinkled some festive cheer, helping to make final Christmas wishes come true. Each person on the Inpatient Unit was invited to share a simple wish, and the team worked together to make it happen wherever they could. From a last family Christmas dinner to small touches of seasonal joy – even a ‘white Christmas’ complete with real reindeer.

One patient said, "It was pure magic. I'd always wanted to experience Lapland, so this was wonderful. I'd never seen reindeer up close. It made my morning; it helped to forget the reality of why I'm in the hospice for a while.” 

Even in the toughest of moments, thoughtful care can create memories that stay with families forever, and that’s what makes hospice care so special.

Read a story we shared in Christmas 2024 about Alice's Last Christmas at Fair Havens Hospice.
 

Neil Stokes, 53 was admitted to Birmingham Hospice on 21 December 2024.

“He was so poorly when he arrived,” said his wife, Jo. “But the hospice team were simply amazing – they made us feel safe.”

Neil, Jo and their children, Charlie, Laura and Tom were able to stay together in a family room and decorate it with lights and photos.

On Christmas Day, they shared gifts and watched the Gavin and Stacey special together by Neil’s bedside.

Neil died peacefully in the early hours of Boxing Day, surrounded by his family.

“Although it was heartbreaking, the care we received was incredible.” Said Jo. “The hospice gave Neil dignity and gave us strength. I will always be grateful to them.” 

‘Christmas doesn’t always come in December for some of the patients at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, as the staff will support loved ones to celebrate earlier in the year if their condition deteriorates. But for those who do spend Christmas in the Inpatient Unit everything will be done to help make every moment count during the festive season.

Patients, loved ones and visitors are invited to join in with staff to sing Christmas songs led by the ‘One Voice Choir’, made up of professionals who work at the local Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. In 2024 Peter did not want to miss out and his bed was wheeled into the Bistro where he celebrated his last Christmas jingling bells and singing along at the top of his voice.’