Former President Barack Obama spread the holiday spirit when he surprised young kids and staff Wednesday at Children’s National, a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Obama, wearing a Santa hat, jeans and sweater, gifted kids with jigsaw puzzles, toy cars, nail polish and more, and also posed for selfies with a few of the patients, according to reports.

“As a dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation―to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them and looking after them and listening to them and just there for them and holding their hand―that’s the most important thing there is,” Obama told the hospital staff who welcomed him with the classic song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  “What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about.”

Obama, along with former first lady Michelle Obama, visited the hospital during their time in the White House, reading books to young patients, writes TODAY.