Michelle Obama Brings Bo to Read Christmas Tale to Children

The First Lady continues a 60-year-old tradition of visiting the Children's National Medical Center during the holidays

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring … not even Bo Obama.

First Lady Michelle Obama paid a visit to Washington, D.C.’s Children’s National Medical Center on Monday, taking part in a decades-old holiday tradition. After spending time individually with patients, families and staff, Mrs. Obama entertained an audience of children in the hospital atrium, where – accompanied by Santa Claus and a very well-behaved Bo – she read The Night Before Christmas.

The First Dog, wearing a festive red collar with jingle bells, sat at his mom’s feet as she read the classic Christmas poem. Unlike his first formal appearance at the hospital two years ago, this Bo, now more mature, didn’t need treats to stay occupied, and instead listened quietly without a peep.

At the end of the reading, the First Lady answered questions from the audience, then walked by the crowd with Bo to let all the gathered children pet the one she has called “the most popular Obama.” Bo happily obliged, and sat as calmly as he could, with tail wagging, as dozens of little hands went pushing through his fluffy fur.

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