MORGANTOWN  -- We all know that Santa's usual means of travel is in a large sleigh pulled by his team of reindeer. But at West Virginia University Children's Hospital Santa has his own special way of visiting the kids.

It starts with a flyover, then a modern day landing. Thanks to the HealthNet helicopter flight team, "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas," Santa said appearing out of the helicopter after the landing.

In its 16th year Santa's aerial arrival is a huge hit with the kids.

"I've never seen Santa travel in a helicopter, without reindeer," 8-year-old Austin Neely said.

But that wasn't the only surprise.

"Barbie!" one WVUH patient exclaimed.

Santa also brought presents for all of the kids in the hospital.

"He brought me lipstick, a pencil and a book and a teddy bear and a Hanna Montana doll," 6-year-old Ally Neely said.

Siblings Ally, Austin and Olivia are celebrating Christmas in the hospital because their 14-day-old baby brother Jonathan is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. But, like all the other children smiling seeing Santa, they don't mind.

"I like spending Christmas here because I get to see him when he doesn't get to come to our house because he had to have heart surgery," Austin explained, talking about his brother.

The fact that the kids are still having a good Christmas even at the hospital means the world to their father.

"It's kinda hard to hold back the tears when we realize the things that people have done here to make this happen," David Neely said. "It's been a real treat for me and my family through the hard times."

Helping provide happy holidays, even while in the hospital, is something Pediatric Center Manager Shannon Koty has been preparing for all year. But, her job is easier thanks to the large amount of donations and Santa's help.

"It's special that Santa Claus has come to visit them and has found them," Koty explained.