Washington
Former US president Barack Obama took on a new high-profile role as Father Christmas on Wednesday for a surprise visit to sick children in Washington.Sporting a festive Santa hat and armed with a sack of gifts, he delighted young patients at Children’s National hospital with gifts and hugs.

“I just want to say thank you to all of you guys,” Obama told staff, who greeted him with rapturous cheers. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa. “We’ve had the chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families,” he added.