Biden, the first lady to visit children in hospitals on Christmas Eve

WASHINGTON (AP), -- First lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden brought Christmas Eve cheer to children in hospitals who aren’t well enough for holiday travel.

Biden, the first lady to visit children in hospitals on Christmas Eve

Although it is a tradition that first ladies visit Children's National Hospital during Christmastime, Joe Biden's surprise visit on Friday was quite a surprise. The White House stated that it was the first time a sitting president joined in the fun.

As part of a winter craft project, the Bidens will help children make lanterns. Jill Biden will read "Olaf's Night Before Christmas to the children" from her seat at the Christmas tree. In the hospital's patient rooms, you can also see video of her reading.

Each patient received a copy of the book from the Walt Disney Co. so that they could follow the first lady's footsteps, the White House stated. Each book comes with a bookmark from the White House that was designed by her office.

Bess Truman was the first lady to visit the hospital every year, and she served this role between 1945-1953.