Texas Children’s Halloween Spooktacular and Fall Traditions Create a Spirited Culture 

Fall is a time for letting creativity soar and our team spirit shine at Texas Children’s. As thoughts turn to pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters (even in Houston), our focus turns toward enchanting fall events which have grown into beloved annual traditions spread across our hospital system.  

While the patients have a “gourd” time during these bewitching activities, it’s our employees who truly bring the magic to life. Whether it’s donning costumes, decking out departments in wickedly fun and kid-friendly splendor, or organizing creative games for patients and their families, the Halloween Spooktacular and our other fall events bring out the creativity, collaboration and ferocious spirit of our One Amazing Team.  

A Beloved and Hauntingly Good Fall Tradition 

In 1998, the Spooktacular started at our Medical Center Campus as a costume parade designed to bring a bit of the Halloween tradition to inpatients who couldn’t go trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods. Growing more elaborate under the direction of Frida Moszkowicz-Wilson, now Quality of Life Program Coordinator – Renal Services, the Halloween Spooktacular was later turned over to the Patient Activity Team (PAT). For the last decade, Guest Services Representative Irma Vargas has overseen the Spooktacular as PAT Chairperson. It has blossomed into a can’t-miss event, complete with elaborately themed booths, costumes, games and prizes that turn our hospital bridge into a playful wonderland. 

“Ten years ago, we ordered 150 trick-or-treat bags,” recalls Irma. “The Spooktacular has become so popular, we now order 500 bags, and the event has spread beyond the Auxiliary Bridge to our Miracle Bridge.” 

According to Sherry Brogan, a radiology specialist in Pediatric Radiology, Spooktacular has always been about one thing: the kids. “The atmosphere is upbeat. You’ll see kids dancing with IV poles alongside a team of employees. It gives them a break from their hospital room and shows them we are here for them beyond their medical care.”  

Pediatric Radiology Manager Terri Fitzgerald sees the excitement and hard work her team puts into the Spooktacular. Starting right after Labor Day, they eagerly sign up to secure their slot for a booth. They brainstorm and vote on costume themes and go all out on decorations. “This event is something the team looks forward to participating in every year. It has become such a tradition for our department, I even mention it to job candidates during the interview process.” 

Spreading New Fall Traditions Across Campuses 

The Halloween-season fun isn’t confined to our Medical Center Campus. Over the years, our entire community has developed spirited spin-offs. The Woodlands Campus embraces a Fall Festival held annually on October 31. Departments host decorated booths and take part in costume contests, engaging in a little friendly competition to outdo the past year’s winners. Just like the Spooktacular, the Fall Festival is all about fun for all.  “I’ve seen staff and patients dressed as Harry Potter characters, dinosaurs, pirates and princesses, all coming together in our lobby to do line dances and spread the joy of fall!” says Volunteer Coordinator En-en Peregrino. 

Similarly, at our West Campus in Katy, the team pulls out all the stops for a fun-filled Fall Fun Day that transforms the campus with pumpkin-packed celebration. Meanwhile, at our new hospital in North Austin, our team is hosting their first-ever Fall Festival this year. “It’s so exciting to see the enthusiasm from everyone involved,” says Olga Valdez, North Austin’s senior volunteer coordinator. “Each department is coming together to create themed booths and activities. For patients who can’t join us in the atrium, we’re doing a ‘reverse trick-or-treat’ where staff bring the fun directly to them.”  

Pediatrics, Urgent and Specialty Care practices and units all over our hospital system get into the spirit, too, encouraging costumes and planning games or arts and crafts. “Our goal is to make every person feel welcome and included in our holiday activities and art projects,” notes Child Life Play Therapy Activity Coordinator Shana Thomas. She says seasonal events like her unit’s pumpkin decorating contest are a welcome distraction for patients and families, and foster camaraderie and strong connections among team members. “The staff ask when the next contest will begin as soon as the last one ends!” 

Why Fall Traditions Matter to Texas Children’s Patients and Our Team 

While the costumes, prizes and decorations make our fall events a treat, it’s the connections built among employees and patients that make it truly special. “Whether we’re witches, superheroes or villains, dressing up and staying in character truly brings a spark to the event, and seeing the patients’ smiles is the best part,” summarizes Guest Services Representative Rose Ascencio-Escobar. 

“I especially love seeing the shy ones come out of their shell and really get into the spirit of their costume,” says Cardiology Administrative Support Coordinator Veronica Logan. “I don’t care how old a person is, it is fun to dress up, pretend and tap into our inner child. I love seeing both kids’ and staff’s creative ideas for costumes and the theme tables.” She fondly remembers a time her team, dressed as chefs, hosted a “Healthy Kitchen” booth to promote healthy eating habits in a fun way. The kids could “catch” their pretend meal with a fishing rod and then “cook” it for their parents. “It was such a hit we had lines out the door!” she recalls.  

Sherry notes our fall events are also a significant morale booster for employees. “It is a chance to step out of our everyday interactions and have some fun with the kids. We slow down and get to know a different side of the kids we care for and see how truly amazing they are.” 

Renee Rougeau, an EMR trainer, says she and her colleagues on the Revenue Cycle Education and Training (RCET) team find the time and effort to participate rewarding. “We’re a team that works remotely, so to see the impact our jobs have, in person, is amazing!”  

And for those who might think Spooktacular is all play and no work—think again. “The bridge always looks amazing and it’s a huge task,” says Veronica, who is also leading the Med Center’s Spooktacular decorating committee this year. “It’s worth it when it all comes together, and you see the excited faces. Fortunately, taking down the decorations takes a fraction of the time spent setting it all up,” she adds with a laugh. 

The Texas Children’s Spirit Endures Beyond the Season 

At Texas Children’s, we believe in the power of play, the importance of connection, and the joy that comes from making our patients’ days a little brighter. Whether it’s the Halloween Spooktacular at the Medical Center, Fall Festivals at our community campuses, or contests to see whose pumpkin is awarded most boo-tiful, autumn events have become a cornerstone of the Texas Children’s culture. It is a treat to watch our team dress to impress in their howlingly silly best for our patients, knowing they are committed to The Difference they make for children and their families in every season.