The first lady, Jill Biden, was expected to bring a bit of joy to children other than sick and hospitalized children, who are not in a position to spend Christmas at home, just as other first ladies have done in the past during the parties.
But
when the president, Joe Biden, accompanied her, it was quite a surprise
.
The president joined his wife and they
both visited the National Children's Hospital in Washington and spent time with the minors.
The Bidens talk to some of the children's hospital patients.Carolyn Kaster / AP
The children told them about the winter lanterns they were making and the Christmas designs they decorated them with.
They both talked to a boy who told them that the hospital helped him when he was sad.
"Well, we hope we brought you some joy today," Jill Biden replied.
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The president also showed them on his phone his new dog, Commander, a German shepherd puppy that arrived at the White House this week.
"His name is Commander," Jill Biden told the children.
"And this morning he was eating my shoes!"
A patient reads 'Olaf's Night Before Christmas' with First Lady Jill Biden at the National Children's Hospital in Washington.Carolyn Kaster / AP
The President and First Lady then sat at the hospital's Christmas tree, where Jill Biden read to the children the story 'Olaf's Night Before Christmas,' which was broadcast to hundreds of children in their hospital rooms, who had a copy of the book.
The annual tradition of the first lady's visit to the hospital dates back to Bess Truman, who served in this role between 1945 and 1953.
[Guide to celebrate a safe Christmas: ventilated spaces, self-examination and that attendees are vaccinated]
The president joined the exclusive tradition of First Ladies.Carolyn Kaster / AP
An insult from the extreme right sneaks into a call with Santa
Back at the White House, the two answered calls from NORAD, Santa's tracker, as they watched him fly over the United Arab Emirates.
They took three calls from children and parents, however, there was an awkward moment when a parent ended a conversation by saying, "Come on Brandon!"
before hanging up.
On video: This is what the Christmas lighting looks like inside the White House
Dec. 23, 202101: 51
The phrase has been widely used by conservatives as a substitute for rudely referring to the president.
Biden didn't seem to get the caller's intent, but instead responded, "Come on Brandon, I agree" when the call ended.
