Having a loved one in the hospital is difficult at any time of the year. During the holidays, when focus is on family and togetherness, it can be even tougher.

Staff and volunteers of the Joint Base Lewis McChord Fisher House brought a little levity - along with some holiday cheer - to their residents on Friday during the home's annual Christmas Party.

The house, which provides free accommodation to family members of ill and injured servicemembers, was festively decorated for the season. Sparkling garland and lights, candles, wreaths and a brightly lit tree in the living room helped bring a feeling of home to the house.

"It's a fantastic thing," said Pat Haldorson, whose son, Sgt. Raymond Haldorson, is a Ranger assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment on JBLM and is recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan at Madigan Army Medical Center. "I don't know how to describe it."

No Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa, and the Fisher House party didn't disappoint. Jerry Johnson, one of Santa's elves who retired from the Army in 1985, stopped by to help families celebrate the season. Family members took their turn sitting on Santa's lap as helper elf Herb Schmeling, a longtime Fisher House volunteer, bestowed them with gifts, including stockings stuffed with coloring books and crayons and gift bags.

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