Bidens make traditional pre-Christmas visit to children's hospital

Bidens make traditional pre-Christmas visit to children’s hospital

1 of 7 |

President Joe Biden joined his wife, first lady Jill Biden, on Friday for a Christmas season visit to Children’s National Hospital to meet young patients and their families. (Dec. 22)

2 of 7 |

First lady Jill Biden, accompanied by President Joe Biden, reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

3 of 7 |

President Joe Biden speaks after first lady Jill Biden read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to patients at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

4 of 7 |

First lady Jill Biden reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to children at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

5 of 7 |

First lady Jill Biden, accompanied by President Joe Biden, reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

6 of 7 |

Sumukh Arunkumar, 10, stands next to President Joe Biden as he speaks after first lady Jill Biden read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to patients at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

7 of 7 |

Children listen as first lady Jill Biden reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Children’s National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden joined his wife, first lady Jill Biden, on Friday for a Christmas season visit to Children’s National Hospital to meet young patients and their families.

The first lady read the children “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” as the president waved and flashed smiles at the children and their family members. President Biden also thanked the hospital staff for their work and encouraged the children and their parents to “keep the faith.”

“Next Christmas when I see you, maybe I’ll see you at the White House,” Biden told the children.

Parse.ly - related stories

Iraqi man charged with illegally voting in the 2020 election in New York

President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump announces new fighter jet mission at Michigan air base alongside Gov. Whitmer

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks at the Democratic National Committee's holiday reception at the Willard Hotel in Washington, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Trump dismisses Biden nominees to US Holocaust Memorial Council, including Doug Emhoff

The visit continued an 81-year annual tradition, dating back to first lady Bess Truman, of presidents’ wives bringing holiday cheer to children who are too ill to be at home on Christmas. President Biden has joined his wife at Children’s National during her holiday visit each of the last three years.

The Bidens on Saturday are scheduled to travel to the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, where they will stay through Christmas Day.