US toddler with rare brain malformation meets Santa

A 15-month-old US boy missing a large part of his skull due to a rare brain condition has celebrated Christmas by meeting Santa.

Florida toddler Jaxon Buell was born with microhydranencephaly, an extremely uncommon malformation of the brain.

The Buells recently took Jaxon to meet Santa for a Christmas-themed photo shoot and the family said the visit was one of the little boy’s best moments so far.

"I'm happy to report that what we're witnessing is one of the best moments that Jaxon has had, and we're just hoping and praying that that continues," Jaxon’s father Brandon told TODAY.com.

"We're just so relieved and happy to watch our son growing before our eyes."

More than 1000 friends and supporters have liked the photo on Facebook. 

Doctors expected Jaxon would not survive for long after birth, but his progress has reached the point where they have stopped giving the family a prognosis. 

"We're prepared that any day could be his last because of what he faces, but he really is not showing signs of being weaker," Mr Buell said.  

"He's actually doing the opposite, he's showing improvements."

The Buells have set up the "Jaxon Strong" campaign to help pay for their son’s care, medical bills and expenses.