Biden and first lady visit bedridden kids for Christmas

The first family will spend their first Christmas at the White House and New Year's Eve in Delaware, a break from their normal routine

Christmas wreaths hang at the White House in Washington. Reuters

The White House Historical Association's 2021 Christmas tree ornament that honours former president Lyndon Johnson. AP

A Christmas tree is seen decorated with photos of US President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Bloomberg

Letters to US President Joe Biden decorate a Christmas tree in the East room. AFP

Wreathes are seen on the back of chairs in the China room at the US White House in Washington. AFP

Christmas trees in the State Dining room at the White House holiday decorations in Washington. AFP

First lady Jill Biden chose a theme of peace and kindness to decorate this year's White House in Washington. AFP

A White House US military social aide walks through the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington. AFP

Doves and shooting stars decorate the East Colonnade of the White House in Washington. Reuters

Members of the US Marine Corps Band play holiday music at the entrance to the East Wing at the White House in Washington. Reuters

More music inside the White House amongst the festive holiday decorations. AP

The Gold Star Tree, honours fallen members of the US military, located in the East Landing of the White House in Washington. Reuters

The hallway of the US White House in Washington, Christmas 2021. AFP

A Christmas tree is seen in the Red room in the US White House in Washington, Christmas 2021. AFP

"Inspired by the acts of kindness and experiences that lifted our spirits this year, decorated rooms in the White House reflect the Gifts from the Heart that unite us all: faith, family, friendship, the arts, learning, nature, gratitude, service, community, peace, and unity," the first lady wrote. AFP

US First Lady Jill Biden receives the official 2021 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington. Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms presented the tree, a Fraser fir from Jefferson, North Carolina. EPA

First Lady Jill Biden waves during the arrival of the White House Christmas Tree at the White House in Washington. AFP

In an effort to spread some Christmas cheer, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden on Friday visited children confined to hospital.

First ladies traditionally visit Children's National Hospital at Christmastime, but Mr Biden's inclusion was both a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Mr Biden’s attendance marked the first time that a sitting president had participated in these holiday festivities, the White House said.

The first lady gathered kids around the Christmas tree for a reading of Olaf's Night Before Christmas as the President sat and listened. Video of her reading will also be shown in patient rooms throughout the hospital.

Each child will also be gifted a copy of the book, courtesy of the Walt Disney Co., the White House said. Each book includes a White House bookmark designed by Ms Biden’s office.

The annual tradition of a hospital visit by the first lady dates to Bess Truman, who served as first lady from 1945-1953.

The Bidens will be spending the holiday at the White House with family, a departure from their normal routine of Christmas at home in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr Biden has referred to life on Pennsylvania Avenue as living in a “gilded cage” and prefers spending his weekends away or at their seaside home in Rehoboth Beach, which he has done over 20 times since taking office.

They will also forego their longstanding trip to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands for New Year’s Eve and instead ring in 2022 at one of the Delaware residences.