Barack Obama Surprises Students At Chicago Elementary School With A Story Time and Gifts

Obama announced himself as "Skinny Santa."

Former President Barack Obama stopped by an elementary school in Chicago’s south side for holiday surprises, including gifts and a story.

Dressed with a Santa hat and a sack over his shoulder, Obama presented toys and winter accessories to the kids at Parkside Community Academy through a partnership with principal Tori Williams-Hughes, CPS Chief Schools Officer Felicia Sanders and CPS Network 12 Chief Shenethe Parks, as a way spread some holiday cheer before the much-anticipated winter break. When he entered the room, one child could be heard yelling, “Oh, my God.” Shocked by his presence, Obama announced himself as “Skinny Santa.”

All 20 students in the pre-k class received a toy or a winter accessory to keep them warm after the 44th President read “Santa’s Gotta Go” by Derrick Barnes, a story about what happens to a family when Santa Claus becomes a houseguest. Obama made the kids giggle with some of the story’s relatable verbiage. “He called Mrs. Claus babe,” he explained to the students.

The first Black President of the United States said he was so happy to do something like this for the kids. As a Chicago native, Obama said giving back to your community is what the holidays are all about. “I could not have had more fun spreading a little Christmas cheer and getting some back from these 3 and 4-year-olds,” Obama said.

“Especially when I started to read to them about Santa. This season is about giving, whether it’s checking in on a neighbor, volunteering for a food drive or a present drive, or being part of this broader community where we are all counting on each other — that’s what the spirit of these holidays is about.”

Debra Gardner, a veteran teacher at Parkside, commended Obama for taking the time to come back to his roots and surprise them. “For him to take the time to come here out of his busy schedule to read a book, it just shows that he is still a leader,” Gardner said.

Obama, along with his wife, Michelle, came back home for some meetings with the Obama Foundation staff and board members. Stopping at Parkside was an easy decision as the school is located not far from where the former First Lady grew up. Soon, the neighborhood will be neighbors to the future Obama Presidential Center, scheduled to open in 2025.