Local celebrities, Frosty and his trusty companion, Santa, are back on the roof of Forrest General Hospital’s front portico. This dynamic duo has seen a lot of Christmas seasons come and go, and oh, the stories they could tell from the past 42 years. Rest assured, their lips are sealed – permanently! They’ve struggled through the year like many others, but are putting their best foot forward to jumpstart a new holiday season. They know that many families look to the hospital duo to kick off their Christmas celebrations.
“Last year, some commented that the pair looked rather dowdy, but like anything that’s spent more than a month out in the South Mississippi elements around the clock during parts of November and December, you’re going to appear a bit rough around the edges,” said Millie Swan, vice president. In fact, they were put to the test on Tuesday night when storms blew through the Pine Belt.
“We have been on an almost endless search to find Frosty and Santa 2.0 for our dear friends, so they can retire and enjoy the rest they so rightfully deserve after 42 years. But, some of the biggest businesses that specialize in outdoor Christmas displays have gone out of business and made our search more difficult. It’s not an easy task to locate a 12-foot Santa and Frosty that have the stamina to withstand cold temperatures, rain and possibly frozen precipitation, and strong winds around the clock.”
But don’t despair, the tradition continues again this year as the duo were hoisted to the portico roof Monday morning. Staff members in Marketing and Communications answered emails received over the Thanksgiving weekend as to when the two would take their place.
Forrest General staff members will continue to refurbish the two as long as possible.
The dedication and care of Forrest General’s Environmental Services and Engineering teams, who keep Frosty and Santa in tip-top shape each year, haven’t gone unnoticed. “We’re not in the plastic surgery business or in this case, the iron and garland business, but they do their best to plump them up, replace bulbs, and make sure they are in the best shape possible before being hoisted by a crane to welcome and comfort employees, family and friends to the hospital or greet passersby on Hwy. 49 South,” said Swan. “They’ve gone above and beyond to make these winter friends loud and proud year after year. But age creeps up on all of us.”
Forrest General’s Engineering Department rewraps the decorations with large garland every few years to keep them shining bright. “We truly care about these decorations and invest time in them because of what a staple they are to our community,” said Andrew Khandjian, Systems Director, Environmental Services and Clean Earth.
And like most, the keepers of the two must deal with locating materials needed to keep the duo looking dapper. “While they may not be at the top of their game, we know that community members would miss them terribly if they were not in place,” Swan said. “We hope people will understand and appreciate the two for what they stand for – the joy of the holiday season – no matter how they appear. After the first of the year when the two are relaxing in a warmer climate, we’ll look and see if a total body makeover might be in the works for the sidekicks during the summer months.”
First placed on the roof of the main lobby in 1980, these two holiday buddies have become a favorite holiday tradition for Hattiesburg and the surrounding communities served by the hospital. Many residents recall driving past the hospital during their younger years with their parents or grandparents to catch a glimpse of the two. Now, they are driving by with their children. It remains a tradition for many Pine Belt families.
Lowery Woodall, who served as executive director of the hospital from 1962 until his retirement in 1996, had the two Christmas icons placed out front. His daughter, Linda Carol Woodall, a resident of Petal, said the idea for the Santa and Snowman came from the employees who were working at Forrest General at the time. "Daddy said he would have preferred a nativity scene, but he went with the majority of the employees at the time," Woodall said. "Hilda East, an interior decorator who did a lot of the commercial interior design at the hospital during all the expansions which took place during Daddy’s tenure, purchased Santa and the Snowman for the hospital. Daddy and Mama always took us to see them after they were placed on the hospital for display."
“We hear so many stories about people driving by to see our characters, and we’re honored that our traditions have become a part of so many Pine Belt families’ holiday traditions,” said Swan, noting messages on the hospital’s Facebook page last season when the two were put in place.
The beloved characters have only had to be replaced once in 42 years after the originals were destroyed by heavy winds. “We had lots and lots of calls that year inquiring where the Christmas friends were,” said Swan, of the local celebrities who have even been featured on a Lucky Rabbit T-shirt.
“Looking down the road, both Frosty and Santa are surely eyeing retirement, much to our chagrin,” Swan said. “But when the time comes, we’ll wish them well and welcome their replacements with open arms. And we’ll hope a whole new tradition is born with our young Pine Belt families who know it may be another version of Frosty and Santa!”
Tradition and heart are what make the holiday season special, no matter what it looks like, and Forrest General revels in the fact that these Christmas traditions have become a holiday classic to long-time residents of the Pine Belt.
To keep up with Frosty and Santa and other seasonal activities, visit Forrest General Hospital’s Facebook page.
