The United States has always valued the holidays as an important time to connect with friends and family. Our country’s leaders were no different, understanding their important role in creating a safe and prosperous America during the holiday season. Here are a few stories of Presidents from the past enjoying the holidays:
Abraham Lincoln: In the Christmas season of 1864, President Abraham Lincoln, after a series of defeats and a seemingly endless Civil War, had reasons to celebrate. With Savannah under Union control, victory felt closer. The fall of Savannah was marked by a 300-gun salute in Washington. On Christmas Day, Tad Lincoln invited newsboys into the White House for dinner, reflecting the spirit of the holidays. President Lincoln took kindly to this, and saw it as a gift offered to the public after the country had gone through such tremendous hardships. This Christmas was more positive for Lincoln, symbolizing the end of the war, though challenges remained. Lincoln's decisions during his presidency, ensuring the Union's survival, became a lasting legacy.
Teddy Roosevelt: Rumors persist that Theodore Roosevelt banned Christmas trees in the White House due to environmental concerns, only for his son to rebel and install one. The truth is, Roosevelt never made some sort of royal decree in order to ban Christmas trees, but it is true he did not allow them to be put up in the White House during his presidency until his final year in office. The opposition to Christmas trees was a broader sentiment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by concerns about deforestation and wasteful practices. Roosevelt himself was known for opposing destructive lumbering practices, including Christmas Trees, until December 1945 when Teddy’s son Archibald snuck a small tree from a local market into the White House and hid it in a closet in his bedroom. A few days before Christmas, Teddy discovered it and the Roosevelts decided to present this one small tree in the White House and decorate it as a family.
Calvin Coolidge: In 1923, President Coolidge and the First Family started the White House Tree Lighting tradition. The president and First Lady eagerly awaited the return of their sons for the holidays. Calvin Jr. had just started at a new Private School in Pennsylvania and John was working on a business degree and humanitarian projects at Amherst College. Mrs. Coolidge engaged in festive activities, distributing food baskets and sending roses to D.C. shop workers. The President sent Christmas messages and participated in the first national tree lighting ceremony, attended by over 6,000 people. The Coolidges spent Christmas Eve at the White House, pressing the button to light the tree. On Christmas Day, they enjoyed a quiet family celebration, attending church and visiting disabled veterans at Walter Reed Hospital. The National Christmas Tree lighting became an annual tradition, marking a public White House celebration.
The Obamas: Barack and Michelle were one of the first presidential couples to give their official Christmastime Weekly Address together. In their final Christmastime weekly address, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama extended holiday wishes and reflected on their eight years in the White House. They expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving the nation and highlighted achievements, such as overcoming economic challenges and expanding healthcare. The Obamas emphasized the theme of "The Gift of the Holidays," focusing on military families, education, and shared values of compassion and service. They acknowledged the sacrifices of troops and urged continued support. The address ended with a wish for a Merry Christmas and a commitment to shared values in the coming year.
These stories can remind us how important the holiday season is, especially during times of hardship. Leadership throughout history has guided us towards better opportunities, and the holidays have been a time to celebrate and appreciate one another regardless of the state of political affairs. So this holiday season, keep this in mind and enjoy the times with friends and family.
—No Dem Left Behind
