First Lady Melania Trump reads Christmas story to patients at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC

Today, First Lady Melania Trump visited Children’s National Hospital, which continues a tradition followed by every First Lady since Elizabeth “Bess” Truman over 60 years ago.

The First Lady toured the Surgical Care Unit and the Short Stay Unit and visited with patients, their families and the nursing staff. 

In the hospital’s main atrium, a Christmas stage was set with Santa. Mrs. Trump read “Oliver the Ornament Meets Belle,” the sequel to the book she read last year, “Oliver the Ornament."  This seven book series shares messages of kindness with children. 

Then, the children read quotes to Mrs. Trump from Dr. Suess’ “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

Mrs. Trump asked the children if they had written to Santa. 

"He’s so busy right now,” Mrs. Trump said of Santa Claus. “You should write him this weekend.”

Following the reading, the hospital gifted First Lady Trump with a giant bouquet of roses. 

She thanked the audience for having her at the hospital and said “Merry Christmas” before walking around shaking hands with hospital patients and parents. 

Background on Children’s National and First Lady Visits:

- First Ladies making special visits to Children’s National Hospital is a tradition that has lasted nearly 70 years, starting with First Lady Grace Coolidge.

- First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, and Lou Henry Hoover all visited the hospital. More recently, First Lady Michelle Obama and Laura Bush made regular visits to the hospital.

Information on Oliver the Ornament:

Oliver the Ornament is a seven-book series and related gift line that celebrates the tradition and stories of Christmas ornaments. The story focuses on a little ornament who’s a bit challenged, and yet is able to overcome all odds to save the day. The focus of the series is on hope and kindness.

 To support Oliver’s message of kindness, the author has created an in school and youth program called Oliver’s Day of Kindness. During the program, children embark upon kindness centric activities, hear Oliver’s story, and make pledges of kindness. This program also raises funds for localized kindness initiatives.

Since launching Oliver the ornament, they’ve donated over 3,000 copies of their book to hospitalized children. Finally, they will be donating a percentage of profits from all books sold to various children’s charities.