THE WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES THE HOLIDAYS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
As many of us get ready to celebrate Christmas, the White House is quickly becoming quiet as the Obama family headed off this past weekend to Hawaii to celebrate the holiday with first dogs, Bo and Sunny in tow. However, there were a number of festive activities that took place in Washington in the month of December that will all lead up to the arrival of everyone’s favorite jolly man, Santa Claus.
On December 15, 2013, President Obama attended the 32nd annual “Christmas In Washington”. The event was hosted by the talented Hugh Jackman. President Obama called for unity. The event benefitted the Children’s National Medical Center. Meanwhile, Mrs. Obama spoke about Christmas to a group of eager kids at the Medical Center who were ready for Santa. They were good and naughty was nowhere in their vocabulary.
On December 19, 2013, Mrs. Obama gave a rousing speech at the Toys For Tots Service Project. She thanked all the organizers of the program for their diligence and dedication to making children happy and giving less fortunate children a Christmas to remember. The First Lady helped to hand out all the gifts that made each of the children smile and laugh with joy.
This year, the theme for the White House Christmas was ‘Gather Around.’ In honor of the family tradition, ‘Gather Around’ urges all individuals to share their stories with one another and inspire others for the season and far into the New Year. Decorations were displayed in every room and each was made of recycled classic pieces and hand-made volunteer crafts. Christmas trees were cleverly made of books. The decorations especially honored our military families who sacrifice so much so that we may enjoy freedom.
Tours were open to the press and then to the public and it was enough to gasp with awe. Garlands, gold pinecones and burgundy ribbons greeted all the visitors. Also featured were evergreen and stained glass wreaths. In the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden stood a majestic Christmas tree wrapped in lights and perched on top of a sleigh. In the State Dining Room sat a big and inviting gingerbread house sweet to the eye and complete with an edible fireplace. In the Red Room is the traditional White House cranberry tree. Every room in the White House came alive with the energetic spirit of the holiday.
Not only did President Obama recognize Christmas, but he also attended a Hanukkah reception on December 5, 2013, where he gave a speech in honor of the Jewish holiday.
This is the time of year to put aside our differences and enjoy the peace and serenity of the season. May everyone have a blessed holiday and a prosperous New Year as we enter 2014.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.whitehouse.gov, www.upi.com, www.zimbio.com
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