Mrs. Claus visits children at Carle Pediatric Wing

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — While Santa Claus is busy preparing for Christmas day, Mrs. Claus, ER nurse Patty Metzler, found herself with some time to spare.

In order to help spread holiday cheer, she decided to take a visit to Carle Hospital's Pediatric Wing, and see some of the good boys and girls staying there.

The first child she visited was a good little boy named Beckham Shaw, who likes dinosaurs.

Luckily for him, Mrs.Claus worked some magic, and gifted him a dinosaur covered water bottle, as well as a lovely tree ornament.

Next, it was time to visit a shy little girl named Naomi Garrett. While she was very quiet, after Mrs.Claus gifted her a Santa covered water bottle, she flashed her a sweet smile.

The last child on Thursday's list was a clever girl named Sebelle Braxley. Sebelle had the choice between an ornament or a water bottle. After some debate, she choose the water bottle.

Before Mrs. Claus left, Sebelle gave her the ultimate dad joke.

"Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because he wasn't PEELING well!"

According to Child Life Lead Sara Krewson, having Mrs. Claus at the hospital is a really big deal for both the families and children alike.

"When we can bring those things from the community into our unit for the kids, it brings that light and brightness just for a couple of minutes during the day," said Krewson.

And for the parents, it really means a lot.

"Just seeing kids shine through the illness or injury. It's good for all of us staff, but also for the parents to finally see, that's the kid I know. And show them that they are getting better and that they're going to go home soon," said Krewson.

Metzler has been in the department for 47 years, so she's seen a thing or two.

Rumors has it that she's amazing with the little ones, so when she saw a need,

"I have chubby cheeks, white hair, and a red dress. I have to do it, it was my calling," said Metzler.

Although she's seen so many kids over the years, she remembers one specific child very well.

"There was a family that the baby was very sick, and I went and talked to them. And then, when I was leaving, they came to the door and they said, 'would you come hold our baby and take a picture?' And honestly, I left the room crying because it was so special, I was like, I get to be one of the first people to hold this baby," said Metzler.