From the White House to tropical islands and private estates, U.S. presidents have observed Christmas in diverse ways, forging their own unique traditions. Let's explore how some recent commanders-in-chief have celebrated the holiday season.
President Joe Biden chose to spend Christmas 2021 at the White House, breaking with his family's usual Delaware tradition. The extended Biden family attended Christmas Eve Mass and returned to the White House for a traditional pasta dinner and sleepover.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump often spent Christmas at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, attending services at a local Episcopal church with former first lady Melania Trump.
Former President Barack Obama favored a Hawaiian Christmas, enjoying the holidays with family and friends. A key element of their tradition involved visiting a Marine base on Christmas Day to express gratitude to service members.
Both former President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, frequently celebrated Christmas at the presidential retreat, Camp David.
Looking further back, presidential Christmases at the White House have been marked by various unique events. President Andrew Jackson, for instance, hosted a memorable "snowball" fight with cotton balls for children in 1835. President Franklin Roosevelt maintained the tradition of reading "A Christmas Carol" aloud after Christmas Eve dinner.
A common misconception surrounds President Theodore Roosevelt and Christmas trees. While it's often believed he banned them from the White House, the reality is that having a Christmas tree in every home was not yet a widespread tradition. Roosevelt's son, Archie, secretly brought a small tree into the White House and decorated it, initiating a new family custom.
