2019 Thanksmas Spreads Holiday Cheer to Mothers, Children and Families

December 13, 2019

Today, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler’s Texas Home Visiting Program celebrated “Thanksmas” with first-time, at-risk mothers, children and their families. This third annual feel-good holiday event celebrated Smith County families enrolled in UT Health Science Center’s home visiting programs, Parents as Teachers® and the Nurse-Family Partnership®. The festive event served as a combined celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other seasonal holidays for the pregnant women, babies and families with young children who have chosen to work with the two programs.

The celebration was certainly filled with the holiday spirit, inclusive of Santa Claus and his elf taking photographs and gifting children’s books and fruit, the John Tyler High School Choir singing seasonal selections, a wealth of door prize drawings, a meal and a multitude of community resource vendors providing beneficial information and services for the families.

In choosing to work with UT Health Science Center at Tyler’s Texas Home Visiting Program, mothers are ensuring to have the healthiest pregnancies and births, as well as to be the best parents they can be. Over 200 people gathered for Thanksmas, including the families enrolled, their home visitors and community supporters to celebrate the season and their accomplishments of committing to building stronger, healthier lives for their babies, young children and themselves.