Former US President Barack Obama delighted children staying in hospital for Christmas by donning a Santa hat and delivering presents to them.
Mr Obama donned a festive Santa hat to deliver toys to poorly children at the Children’s National hospital, in Washington DC.
The 57-year-old joined in Christmas carols with staff, parents and children during the much-anticipated visit.
Mr Obama was greeted by scores of people, before he danced his way into wards.
Hospital staff, doctors and nurses joined in song with the former president as they all sung We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Speaking to everyone as he arrived, Mr Obama said: “I just want to say thank you to all of you guys, we had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families.
“At a time that is obviously tough for folks, and as a dad-of-two girls, I can only imagine in that situation, to have nurses and staff and doctors and people caring for the, and just there for them and holding their hand, that’s the most important thing there is.
“What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is all about.”
Mr Obama then made his way through the wards with presents to deliver to each child.
He later took to Twitter to write: “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humouring me as your stand-in Santa.”
Chief Executive and President of the hospital, Kurt Newman told the Washington Post: “At such a busy time of year, when no one wants to be in the hospital, his natural warmth lifted the spirits of those kids, their parents and of each staff member he met along the way.”
