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VIDEO & PICS: Joe Biden, Jill Biden visit sick kids at DC hospital on Christmas Eve

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden brought some Christmas Eve cheer to hospitalized children who aren't well enough to go home for the holidays.

First lady Jill Biden arrives to read "Olaf's Night Before Christmas" with President Joe Biden and patients at Children's National Hospital in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster


President Joe Biden visits with a patient at ChildrenPresident Joe Biden visits with a patient at Children's National Hospital in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

First Lady Jill Biden displays a lantern made by a patient at ChildrenFirst Lady Jill Biden displays a lantern made by a patient at Children's National Hospital as part of a winter craft project as she and President Joe Biden visit patients in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

It's longstanding tradition for first ladies to visit Children's National Hospital at Christmastime, but Joe Biden's visit on Friday was a surprise. It marked the first time that a sitting president had joined the fun, the White House said.

It wasn't the only tradition that the president joined in on Friday. Jill Biden answered calls to the the North American Aerospace Defense Command's Santa tracking service, another longstanding tradition for first ladies, and she was joined by Biden for the calls.

A patient at ChildrenA patient at Children's National Hospital displays a lantern they made to President Joe Biden as he visits with patients at the hospital in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A patient at ChildrenA patient at Children's National Hospital displays a lantern they made to President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden as they visit patients in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

At the hospital, the Bidens spoke with a group of children making lanterns as part of a winter craft project, asking each one what they drew on their lanterns. Some drew family, snowmen or other holiday-themed art.

They both spoke to a child who said the hospital "helped him when he was down."

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden greet patients at ChildrenPresident Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden greet patients at Children's National Hospital in Washington, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

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