The visit continued an 81-year annual tradition, dating to first lady Bess Truman, of presidents’ wives bringing holiday cheer to children who are too ill to be at home on Christmas.

First Lady Jill Biden opted for festive inspiration for her latest event ahead of the Christmas holiday on Friday in Washington, D.C. The first lady joined her husband, President Joe Biden, for a visit with patients and families at Children’s National Hospital and read the book “The Night Before Christmas.”

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his sack. His eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry. His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,