Baby whisperer Barack Obama went to spread some holiday cheer at the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. this week. The former president of the United States showed up in a Santa hat with a bag of gifts. He gave hugs and took selfies with children, then made a heartwarming speech to staff and the patients and their families there. And thankfully, people there document all of it so some of their joy could be given to you:
In a video shared by the hospital's residents account, Obama told them, "I was saying in there but I want to repeat to everybody: at a time that is obviously tough for folks, and as the dad of two girls, I can only imagine—when my girls get a cold, I’m messed up. In that situation, to have nurses and 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, What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be about. That’s the most important thing there is." People chimed "we miss you!" during his speech, but Obama did not let that break his focus:
The former POTUS shared one last message to the hospital on his Twitter. "Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National," Obama wrote, reposting the hospital's video. "And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa."
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
