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Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine

Children's hospital offers patients holiday magic
Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine 01:23

Houston — Eight-year-old William Wilson will spend Christmas in a hospital room fighting a blood disorder.

Surrounded by machines and tubes is not what a child dreams of for the holidays.

But at Houston's Texas Children's Hospital, there's a magic beyond the medicine, as decorations help transform the hospital's 16th floor into what looks more like a high-end holiday store.

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
Themed Christmas trees at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. December 2023.  CBS News

There's a Barbie-themed tree, a railroad-themed tree, a Houston Astros-themed tree, a Yoda tree and sweet treats-themed tree.

 "It's so pretty," patient Marixsa Elizondo said. "It's so beautiful and colorful!"

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
  CBS News


Each child can choose one special theme for their room, decorated by people who won't even meet them.

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Wilson went with a Hot Wheels theme.

"I love it," Wilson said.

Much more than a Christmas tree, it's the stability of tradition at an uncertain time.

Houston children's hospital offers patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
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