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Patriots Get Wrapped Up In Holiday Spirit At Annual Children's Party At Gillette

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots are focused on Sunday's upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, but for one night, they were all wrapped up in holiday spirit.

The Patriots hosted their 21st annual New England Patriots Children's Holiday Party at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday night, with more than 250 children in need from around New England serving as the guests of honor.

The kids were treated to a night of food, served by players and team staff, along with games and even a visit from Santa. But the highlight of the evening was the "Build-A-Tree" event (formally known as "Wrap-A-Pat") -- a game in which the children, working in teams, raced to decorate a Patriots player with bows, garlands, ornaments and more to turn the players into a Christmas tree.

Some lucky kids got to make their favorite player, tight end Rob Gronkowski, look like a very colorful and festive Christmas tree.

"It feels pretty good because it's the holidays. It's great holiday spirit," Gronkowski told WBZ-TV's Steve Burton as he got his "tree treatment."

"It's a great experience here with all the kids and just giving back to the community," said Gronk, with an ornament in each hand and numerous others hanging from his hat. "Having them wrap us, we always have a great time. The holidays are always a great time for families, friends and great spirits, that's for sure."

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Several children make Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski look like a Christmas tree at the team's annual holiday party at Gillette Stadium. (Screen Grab from WBZ-TV)

When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Gronkowski was quick to respond with more "Ws" in the standings.

More than a dozen Patriots players, including Julian Edelman and Devin McCourty, joined Patriots cheerleaders and Pat Patriot at the event.

Tune in to Sunday's Patriots-Dolphins game on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship stations of the New England Patriots! Pregame coverage begins on 98.5FM at 10am, with coverage on WBZ-TV kicking off at 11:30am with Patriots GameDay. Following the game, stay tuned for three full hours of postgame coverage on the Hub, and for Patriots 5th Quarter on WBZ-TV!

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