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The White House Christmas Card: A Century-Old Tradition of Holiday Cheer
Few White House traditions are as cherished or enduring as the annual Christmas celebrations, which have transcended partisan politics for more than a century. These seasonal festivities bring a sense of warmth and continuity to the presidential residence, reflecting the spirit of togetherness that defines the holiday season.
Beyond the decorated halls of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, U.S. presidents and first ladies have long used annual Christmas cards to extend their holiday greetings to friends and supporters across the nation. These cards serve as more than simple seasonal greetings – they communicate well-wishes, express gratitude, and occasionally convey subtle political messages.
The origins of this tradition remain somewhat unclear to historians, though many believe presidents began sending unofficial Christmas cards in the late 1800s to a limited circle of recipients. It wasn’t until 1927 that the practice became formalized when President Calvin Coolidge penned what is considered the first “official” White House Christmas greeting.
Responding to numerous requests for a holiday message, Coolidge hand-wrote “Season’s Greetings” in his distinctive elegant cursive. This simple message was subsequently published by major newspapers nationwide, establishing what would evolve into an elaborate presidential tradition.
In the decades that followed, Christmas greetings evolved from simple messages into formal cards, with recipient lists growing increasingly extensive. President Eisenhower significantly expanded the tradition, adding Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, and U.S. ambassadors overseas to the distribution list.
The Nixon administration marked another turning point when the cards were mass-printed for the first time, reaching approximately 40,000 people – an unimaginable scale compared to Coolidge’s painstakingly handwritten message. This shift reflected both technological advancement and the growing political significance of the White House Christmas greeting.
Today, responsibility for printing these cards falls to the Republican and Democratic national parties, depending on which party holds the presidency. While neither party discloses exact figures, estimates suggest the Republican National Committee printed approximately 1.5 million White House Christmas cards during George W. Bush’s presidency – a number believed to have increased further during the Obama, Biden, and Trump administrations.
Modern technology has dramatically expanded the reach of this tradition. White House social media accounts now share official Christmas portraits and messages, allowing millions more Americans to participate in this presidential tradition regardless of their political connections or financial support.
This week, White House accounts shared the official 2025 Christmas portrait of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, complementing this year’s printed card. The 2025 White House Christmas theme, “Home is Where the Heart Is,” was inspired by what the First Lady described as the “joys, challenges, and frequent motion derived from motherhood and business.”
“This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves, and share it with the world around us,” the First Lady said in her statement announcing this year’s theme. “After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.”
The evolution of the White House Christmas card reflects broader changes in American society and communication technology. What began as a handwritten note from President Coolidge has transformed into a sophisticated multimedia campaign reaching millions of Americans through traditional cards, digital media, and official White House events.
Despite these changes, the fundamental purpose remains consistent: to share holiday cheer, foster a sense of national unity, and maintain a cherished tradition that connects present administrations to their predecessors across partisan lines. In an increasingly divided political landscape, the White House Christmas card stands as a reminder of shared traditions that transcend party affiliation.
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14 Comments
As someone invested in the mining and energy sectors, I’d be curious to see if any of the White House Christmas cards have featured imagery or symbolism related to those industries. That could be a fun angle to research.
Absolutely, that would be a really interesting angle to explore. The cards could potentially offer insights into how different administrations have viewed the role of extractive industries.
It’s remarkable that the White House Christmas card tradition has persisted for over a century, spanning so many different presidencies. The cards must serve as a unique historical record.
As a mining and commodities enthusiast, I’m curious if any of the White House Christmas cards have featured themes related to the extractive industries. That could be an interesting angle to explore.
Good point. Materials like gold, silver, and copper have such a rich history, it would be neat to see them incorporated into the card designs over the years.
What a delightful tradition! The White House Christmas cards must make for a wonderful collection showcasing the changing styles and messaging across administrations. I’d love to see a comprehensive exhibit of them someday.
That’s a great idea. A curated display of the cards could provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the presidency.
What an endearing custom! The White House cards must make for a wonderful keepsake and glimpse into presidential history. I’d love to see a collection of the cards from different administrations.
I agree, the cards seem to be a great way for the first family to spread holiday spirit. It’s nice that the tradition has endured despite partisan divides.
The article provides a fascinating look at the evolution of the White House Christmas card tradition. It’s amazing how these simple holiday greetings can offer a window into presidential history and politics.
The article provides an intriguing glimpse into a lesser-known White House tradition. I wonder if the cards have ever included subtle nods to the president’s policy priorities or legislative agenda.
That’s an astute observation. The cards could potentially offer clues about the administration’s priorities and messaging, even if in a lighthearted way.
The White House Christmas card tradition is a charming way for presidents to share holiday cheer and connect with the public. It’s fascinating to see how the cards have evolved over the decades to reflect the times.
I wonder if any presidents have used the cards to subtly convey political messages, as the article suggests. It would be interesting to analyze the designs and messages for hidden meanings.