What could be a better holiday gift than a healthy baby? Santa Claus made a special stop at White Plains Hospital Monday afternoon, visiting families in the neonatal intensive care unit and spreading joy during an especially meaningful time of year.

For a second consecutive year, The Westchester shopping center and its retail partners helped bring Santa — along with holiday gifts — to the NICU, offering encouragement to parents and staff caring for the hospital’s smallest patients. Santa shared smiles, warm words and a little holiday magic with families working hard to bring their newborns home.

“This is definitely the most special holiday season we’ve had so far,” said Alana, the mother of baby Lucy. “Sharing it with our first child means everything, and everyone here has been wonderful to us.”

During a challenging journey for many families, the visit served as a reminder of the power of community and holiday spirit.