Former President Barack Obama surprised a class of preschoolers in Chicago, and he read a Christmas book and delivered gifts.

Obama visited the Parkside Community Academy in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, bearing gifts for the students and donning a Santa hat.

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“Oh, my God,” a young student exclaimed upon seeing the former president, according to the Chicago-Sun Times.

Obama came prepared, with a sack of presents slung over his back in Santa Claus fashion for the children. All 20 children in the classroom were given gifts, and apparently, the entire school was also gifted with winter accessories.

He read the students the Christmas book Santa’s Gotta Go, at one point becoming shocked and noting, “He called Mrs. Claus 'babe'!”

“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,” longtime Parkside teacher Debra Gardner said.

Parkside Principal Tori Williams-Hughes said, “It’s a little new to them to really understand the magnitude of who he is and what he’s done for the country.”

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The Obama Foundation reportedly said the school was chosen for a visit due to its proximity to the future Obama Presidential Center, which is under construction.

Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, have deep ties to Chicago, with the former first lady growing up there and the former president spending time in the city working as a community organizer and a university student.