Santa Claus Pays Visit, Brings Joy To INTEGRIS Children's Hospital

Little ones at INTEGRIS Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City who are unable to go home for the holidays got a visit from Santa Claus before he made his big trip around the world.

News 9's Amber Gerard tells the story of how Santa volunteered to spend time with the children before he headed off to work Christmas Eve night.

Although Santa doesn't start making his rounds for another couple of hours, there was a special group of children at INTEGRIS who needed him to come by a little bit early.

Not wanting to let any child down, he did.

"We really want to be able to provide that spirit of joy and cheer, and we just feel that it's a wonderful opportunity to be able to do that though the character of Santa," said certified child specialist Laura Linville.

“What would you like for Christmas,” Santa asked one child.

“A robot,” he replied.

Before Santa left he had one thing to say on this Christmas Eve before Christmas Day.

“Have a magical, wonderful Christmas,” he said.

The magic of Santa Claus is beneficial to these children, Linville said.

“I think the holidays bring a sense of emotion, whether it’s something wonderful or something that they miss,” Linville said. “I think being able to explore that through the the magic of Santa is helpful in all aspects of their care.”

Watch Amber's story in the video atop this page.