Christmas Party for Children of Diplomats, 1985

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 9, 1985, costumed characters including Cabbage Patch Kids, Disney characters Goofy and Snow White, and Santa Claus greet an audience of excited children during a Christmas party for the children of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. The party also featured entertainment by vaudevillian clown Avner Eisenberg and child actor Emmanuel Lewis. Santa Claus was portrayed by NBC "Today" show weatherman Willard Scott. For decades, Scott appeared as Santa Claus for White House holiday parties and the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.