'Santa' Obama pays visit and gives out gifts at DC children's hospital

A Santa hat-clad Barack Obama surprised young patients and staff at Children’s National hospital. The former president made spending the holidays in the hospital a little cheerier on Wednesday.

Obama who was in a holiday spirit brought jigsaw puzzles, toy car sets, remote-control cars, glittery nail polish and other gifts to the Washington, D.C., hospital.

He received a loud ovation in a hospital hallway where a delighted throng of workers and patients took photos and sang, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

“I just want a chance to say ‘thank you’ to all of you guys,” former President Obama told the crowd.

“I’ve had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families, at a time that’s obviously tough for folks. As the dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation, you know, 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 hand, that’s the most important thing there is,” the 57-year-old former president said. “What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about.”

The medical complex thanked Obama for stopping by.

“Who said the Grinch stole Christmas?” the post said. “Our patients and their families received a huge holiday surprise when Barack Obama warmed our hallways with a huge bag of gifts for our patients!”

Obama later tweeted, “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.”