Santa visits La Rabida Children's Hospital on Christmas

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a special visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Day at La Rabida Children's Hospital on the South Side.

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Santa gave his reindeer a break as he arrived with Engine 63 of the Chicago Fire Department on Thursday, delivering gifts to children across the hospital.

"Every year it's a joy," Santa said. "It's always wonderful to see these kids. I wish they were in a better place than in a hospital. but it's wonderful to be able to bring that joy even for a mere minute to these kids."

It was a welcome surprise for families who were forced to celebrate in the hospital this year, as many of them have been here for hundreds of days.

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"I'm very grateful because today is challenging were away from our family and away from friends," said Gabrielle Griffin, the mother of a patient. "We've been in the hospital for 300 days, so I had him early. Today we were just grateful"

Griffin's son, Amir Green, was born early at just 26 weeks. But now he's a healthy 14-pound, 9-month-old baby shining the brightest smile as Santa strolled through.

"It's been challenging, but today's been good," Griffin said. "He's been up, he's been happy, smiling, and he's dressed like Santa Claus today."

All of it added to a special tradition that has gone on for decades now, spanning across generations of Santa's family.

"This is my 11th year... coming to La Rabida, and we'll continue that tradition as long as our body allows us," Santa said.