Written on White House stationary in his own hand in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge issued the first official Christmas message to the American people. As a response to numerous requests for the President to send a holiday greeting, President Coolidge asked newspapers across the United States to publish his holiday greeting to the American people. Although he didn't speak, he participated in the first ceremonial tree lighting for the event now known as the Pageant of Peace.

President Eisenhower expanded the list of Presidential Christmas cards recipients significantly in 1953; the President sent season’s greetings to American ambassadors abroad, members of the Cabinet and Congress, foreign heads of state and government officials. Thereafter, the official Presidential Holiday Greeting was the White House Christmas card.

2001 Holiday Card
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush

Past White House Holiday Cards
Hoover | Roosevelt | Truman | Eisenhower | Kennedy
Johnson | Nixon | Ford | Carter | Reagan | Bush | Clinton

360 Tour
East Room | Green Room | Blue Room | Red Room | State Dining Room | Center & Cross Halls

Video
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Holiday Photo Essays
Presidential Homes | Decking the Halls | Decorations | Holiday Cheer

Traditions
White House Tree | Presidential Holiday Cards | National Tree | Menorah Lighting |
Hot Chocolate Recipe

Kids
India's Home for the Holidays Quiz | Spotty & Barney's Holiday Tail