Little Faith Hinkle, all of five years old, wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Melania Trump.

The first lady had guided Faith to a comfortable red stool so the young girl could listen as she read the story “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” to an audience at the Children’s National Hospital on Friday morning.

Visiting this Washington, D.C. hospital is a cherished tradition for first ladies, and Melania made it a point to visit each year during her husband’s presidency.

Melania was introduced by Caoilinn McLane, a 24-year-old former patient with whom she had formed a bond during a hospital visit in 2017.

Upon finishing the story, Melania ensured Faith, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, had a chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who were nearby.

The first lady then met with other young patients. As she attempted to depart, she made sure to give Faith a warm hug.

Hinkle then insisted on a second, visibly upset her new friend was leaving.

Melania also squeezed 11-year-old Riley Whitney, who had also escorted her onstage, before she departed. 

She brought gifts, including ‘Be Best’ ornaments, to give out to the patients and was gifted a gold coin from Santa Claus, that said ‘believe’ and ‘Merry Christmas.’

First Lady Melania Trump (left) hugs 5-year-old Children’s National Hospital patient Faith Hinkle (right) during an appearance Friday morning 

First Lady Melania Trump (center) read ‘How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?’ to a group of patients at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Friday morning 

The tradition dates back to the Truman administration, with Bess Truman becoming the first first lady to make a holiday visit to Washington, D.C.’s main children’s hospital. 

Every first lady has since made the trek. 

Melania also visited Children’s National earlier this year, making a surprise trip to mark the Fourth of July holiday. 

In past years, Melania engaged in some Q&A. 

During her 2017 visit, her first as first lady, a 10-year-old named Andy asked Melania where she would spend the holidays if she could go ‘anywhere in the world.’

‘I would spend my holidays on a deserted island, a tropical island, with my family,’ Melania admitted. 

The candid answer raised eyebrows after Melania delayed her move to Washington so son Barron could finish his school year in New York. 

During her husband’s second term, Melania has split her time between Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, Bedminster and the White House.

First Lady Melania Trump made sure Faith Hinkle was able to get some face time with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus during her trip to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Friday morning 

First Lady Melania Trump (center) arrives at Children’s National Hospital alongside Faith Hinkle, 5, (left) and Riley Whitney, 11 (right)

Santa Claus (left) gifted First Lady Melania Trump (right) a gold coin that said ‘believe’ and ‘Merry Christmas’ during her visit Friday to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. 

First Lady Melania Trump went around the room to talk to the young patients after reading a story to them during her hospital visit Friday morning 

With Barron now in college in New York, the first lady has been spending more time in Washington, making a smattering of recent appearances. 

The president divulged on Tuesday that his wife hasn’t been happy with the noise associated with the White House ballroom construction. 

‘I wouldn’t say my wife is thrilled. She hears pile drivers in the background, all day, all night,’ Trump said during his lengthy end-of-year Cabinet meeting. 

He said that Melania asked him, ‘Darling, could you turn off the pile drivers?’ 

‘Sorry, darling, that’s progress,’ he said he replied. 

The president admitted last month that his wife was wary of his decision to tear down the East Wing, which has historically housed the offices of the first lady. 

‘She loved her little tiny office, but you know what? In about, she’s very smart, in about one day, she’s thinking, if you ask her now, she thinks it’s great,’ the president said during an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham.