Barack Obama dressed as Santa Claus surprises sick children in hospital for Christmas

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former President Barack Obama spent Wednesday afternoon visiting the Children’s National Hospital in northwest Washington, D.C. where he delivered presents to young patients while wearing a Santa hat. According to a release by the Office of President Barack Obama, the 44th president “greeted individual patients in their rooms and stopped by several playrooms”. Our patients loved your company…and your gifts!” After his visit, the former President replied to the hospital’s tweet, saying: “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.” Before he left the hospital, Obama stopped to thank members of the staff and reportedly recorded a video message that will played “on the hospital’s internal TV system” for anyone who missed his visit.