It’s a treat to spend your holidays at home, but some doctors, nurses, patients and their families in Centre County spent their Christmas at the Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Danielle Michael, Guest Services Manager at Mt. Nittany Health, said  “I always feel bad really for the patients and the families that are coming in on Christmas here in the hospital because nobody wants to be laying in a bed at Christmas time.”

So you’ll find lights and ornaments draping the halls, and one familiar thing sure to make anyone taste the Christmas spirit.

For 14 years Gary Glenn, Exec., Chef for Mt. Nittany Health, has been whipping up holiday meals for staff and patients.

“Comfort food. That’s what everybody knows, regardless of when you’re in the hospital,” Glenn said.

From prime rib, to rolls and peanut butter pies, Glenn said he loves sharing his gift of cuisine with his Mount Nittany family; and 700 pounds of turkey also helps get the job done!

“Because everybody works super hard every day to provide this community with excellent service, “Glenn said. “And this is just a nice reward for every single member of Mt. Nittany Health to come, enjoy a great meal and to say thank you.”

On Christmas day he creates nearly 500 meals for patients and hopes he can spread true holiday cheer.
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“This is my hospital, it’s my family’s hospital and I treat it as if it is my own,” Glenn said.

“I really do think that they’re extremely thankful that we do go that extra step to make it feel like a Christmas meal even though they’re not in their own home,” Michael said.

And no matter where you are or what you’re doing, Michael believes everyone deserves a merry Christmas.

“The morale on Christmas day is pretty amazing. I mean, everybody realizes that we’re here to serve the patients, whether we’re nursing, or nutrition or culinary services. So I think the attitude is really upbeat here at Mt. Nittany,” Michael said.