Former President Barack Obama got into the holiday spirit to surprise children at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
Obama donned as a Santa hat as he walked through the halls of hospital, visiting children and handing out toys ranging from puzzles to nail polish. He was met with loud applause as he thanked the staff for having him.
“I just want to say thank you to all of you guys. I had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families, at a time that is obviously tough for folks,” he said in a video recorded of the special day.
“As a dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation ― to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them and looking after them and listening to them and just there for them and holding their hand ― that’s the most important thing there is.”
He dubbed himself a stand-in Santa.
“What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about,” he added.
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