Photo credit: Chuck Kennedy/AFP/Getty Images
'Tis the season for our forever president Barack Obama to put on a Santa hat and make a surprise visit to the children's hospital in Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Obama stopped by the Children’s National Health System to bring some holiday cheer and pass out gifts to patients. As he walked the hallways of the same hospital that his wife Michelle Obama visited every holiday season when she was First Lady, the 44th U.S. president talked with patients in their rooms and visited a few playrooms.
"I just want to say thank you to all of you guys," Obama told staff members. "I got a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families and at a time that obviously is tough for folks. As a dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation to have nurses, 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 hands. That's the most important thing there is. What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about."
The hospital sent Obama a thank you message on Twitter expressing how much they appreciated his visit.
Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients’ day so much brighter. Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company…and your gifts! https://t.co/bswxSrA4sQ ❤️ #HolidaysAtChildrens #ObamaAndKids pic.twitter.com/qii53UbSRS
— Children's National 🏥 (@childrenshealth) December 19, 2018
He responded to the tweet by saying: “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa."
Photo via: The Office of President Barack Obama
Thank you Mr. President for continuing to use your platform to be a positive light.