Former U.S. President Barack Obama makes surprise visit to children’s hospital dressed as Santa

Former U.S. president Barack Obama is busy spreading holiday cheer to those who need it most.

Patients and staff at a children’s hospital in Washington D.C. got a surprise when the 44th president walked onto their ward with a sack of gifts for them all.

Unsurprisingly the video of Barack Obama in his Santa hat has already attracted half a million views on YouTube. If this doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit I don’t know what will.

 

Staff, patients and their parents at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. got wonderful surprise when the former president strolled down the corridor.

The former U.S. president, who was dressed casually complete with Santa hat, handed out gifts and led some festive singing.

He also had a message for the people gathered around him.

“At a time that’s obviously tougher for folks…to have nurses, staff, doctors, people who are caring for [the children], looking after them, just being there for him and holding their hand.

Stand-in Santa

Enjoy the holiday season with the ones you love. Michelle and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Posted by Barack Obama on Tuesday, December 25, 2018

“That’s the most important thing there is. What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about,” he said, according to the video shared by the hospital.

“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,” he tweeted.

Watch the former president bring some holiday cheer to the staff and patients in the video below

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV0vLcY652c” /]

Please share as a tribute to all of  the families and children who are having to spend Christmas in hospital and the hardworking staff making them as comfortable as possible.