How does a President Celebrate Christmas
Christmas time has special meaning for millions of Americans. It’s a time to celebrate with friends and family, and share good will. For Christians the holiday has deep religious meaning celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a federal holiday in the United States. Most businesses are closed as well as all government offices and buildings. Like millions of Americans the president of the United States celebrates the holiday and the White house has developed many of its own traditions over the years.
Christmas tree
Amazingly the first officialtreewas placed in the White house in 1889 by President Benjamin Harrison for his family. Before that time presidents simply celebrated Christmas in private affairs decorating their private residence. Public celebrations involving the lighting of the tree began in 1923 with Calvin Coolidge. In 1929 the first lady officially received the privilege of trimming and decorating the official tree after being started by first lady Lou Hoover. The tradition has grown over the years to the point where it is considered an honor to be able to provide the White house with theofficial tree. During the Kennedy administration official holiday themes for the Christmas tree began. Since then each year the first lady chooses a theme that is used to decorate the tree.
Christmas Parties
While many Americans may attend aChristmas partyor two, for the president the number can be around twenty. These parties give the president a chance to thank their donors, and meet some of the power players in a more relaxed environment. While it might seem like good times there are tons of handshaking and photo ops involved.
Christmas dinner
No Christmas is complete without a good hearty Christmas Dinner. The president like most Americans spends time with his closet friends and family enjoying Christmas dinner. The menus of course depend on the tastes and traditions of the family that happens to be occupying the White House at the time.
Other traditions
Baking and cooking for the Christmas holiday is common for Americans. The White house tradition of baking involves building a massive gingerbread house that weighs hundreds of pounds. This tradition started with first lady Nixon due to her love for gingerbread houses. Of course Christmas would not be complete and Santa makes his round every year for photos with the first family.
Each president puts their own unique twist on Christmas based on individualfamily traditions. Yet the above are a few of the Christmas traditions that have been established over the years. Due to the diverse religious background and the desire to respect all religions the White House does keep a secular approach to the holidays. The families have their own beliefs and celebrate the holiday in their own way like millions of Americans.
