President Barack Obama reads "The Polar Express" to children

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President Barack Obama reads "The Polar Express" to children

President Barack Obama hands out White House Christmas gingerbread cookies to children as he visits a Boys and Girls Club in Washington.

During a visit to a Boys & Girls Club in northeast Washington, President Barack Obama reads "The Polar Express."

The children paid quiet attention as Obama made sure those seated on the floor could see the pictures.

After he finished reading the story, the president rewarded the kids by offering them cookies from a red velvet-wrapped basket.

The children could choose from three shapes: Bo the family dog, a gingerbread man or a Christmas maple leaf.

Then came the wish lists. The children raised their hands as Obama asked them what they wanted for Christmas. Some of the answers? An Ipod. A video game. A TV.

"Now let me ask you a question here guys," Obama finally said. "What ever happened to, like, asking for a bike?"

President Barack Obama fist bumps Niko Letterlough, 7, who said he wants to play a game of foosball with Obama and would let him win.

Ultimately, the president brought the topic back to the meaning of Christmas. "What's important is what kind of spirit you have," he said. "So I hope everybody has a spirit of kindness and thoughtfulness."

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During a visit to a Boys & Girls Club in northeast Washington, President Barack Obama reads "The Polar Express."

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