Nancy Reagan Hosts Diplomatic Children's Party, 1985

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 9, 1985, First Lady Nancy Reagan joins vaudevillian clown Avner Eisenberg, actor Emmanuel Lewis, and a costumed Santa Claus onstage during the annual Christmas party for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. Social secretary Linda Faulkner sits with the children in the audience. 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. 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.