How one Children’s employee has brought holiday cheer to patients, families + staff for 32 years

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One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is the decorations. The staff at Children’s of Alabama makes sure the patients and families who aren’t able to go home during the season can experience the excitement, too. We spoke to Denise Dexter, the Facility Design Director at Children’s, to learn how they’re decking the halls this year.

Denise Dexter has been with Children’s for 32 years

Denise has a passion for making patients and families feel comfortable and at home during their time at Children’s. As the Facility Design Director for more than 30 years, she’s led the way to a magical experience during the holidays for anyone who walks through the hospital’s doors.

“The level of stress that a parent undergoes when they have a sick child is immeasurable. By making certain design choices and decorating for the holidays, the environment alone can lower stress levels for the patient, their families and the staff.

Our patients are the center of our lives; so that focus must always be present in our thinking and design process.”

Denise Dexter, Facility Design Director, Children’s of Alabama

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Children’s patients love to see the holiday décor each year

Denise’s favorite memories are of the children seeing the new decorations every year.

“It’s all about hearing the children squeal with delight as they walk or run from one tree to the next. I love being a bystander and listening to parents and their children interact with the décor.”

Denise Dexter, Facility Design Director, Children’s of Alabama

One specific moment has stuck with her the most.

“If I had to narrow my favorite memory down to one instance, it would be watching a dad Facetime with his son, who was a patient here. He was walking from tree to tree, making sure to get close so the son could see every detail, ornament or toy.  Overhearing their conversation, the laughter, the love between a dad and his son, who was too ill to come downstairs…be still my heart.”

Denise Dexter, Facility Design Director, Children’s of Alabama

Children’s holiday décor process starts months before

Denise told us that she begins planning the hospital’s holiday décor in late August or early September. She also gave us a look into how the process usually begins. Here’s what she told us:

• Inventory of supplies and décor items are evaluated for safety.
• Lots of organizing and sorting (like items, colors, and themes) occurs to streamline decorating and installation efficiencies.
• Floor plans where trees/vignettes/planters will be installed are reviewed.

Decor is rotated throughout different departments as much as possible each year to keep designs fresh.

Hospitals can be scary environments, but Denise and the staff at Children’s of Alabama work hard to make it feel as warm and welcoming as possible.

“It’s never good to have a child hospitalized, but especially during the holidays. Fear, stress and fatigue often consume these families. 

Our staff works hard to make our patients and families feel valued, understood and comfortable, which can be very stressful for them as well. Having positive distractions—something fun, interesting, and beautiful—can help relieve everyone’s anxieties.”

Denise Dexter, Facility Design Director, Children’s of Alabama

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