The Fascinating History of White House Christmas Cards

Christmas is a joyous and magical time that brings people together from around the world to celebrate. It is also a time to reflect on our shared humanity and the spirit of giving. The White House has been a part of this tradition for many years with its own unique Christmas cards.

Since 1933, the White House has been sending out Christmas cards to friends and family around the globe. These cards have seen many changes over the years, from the designs, colors and messages contained within them, to the addition of photographs of the current president. Each card reflects not only its own unique message, but also the spirit of the times in which it was sent.

Presidents Picking their Own Messages

Each president who has served in the White House has had the opportunity to design the Christmas card that would be sent out over their tenure. Some presidents, such as Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, chose to include a brief message or poem along with a photograph of themselves or their family. Others, such as Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, chose to leave out any words and simply have a beautiful photograph featured on their card.

Unique Changes in Design

The design of the White House Christmas cards has varied greatly over the years. In the late 1950s, President Eisenhower chose to use a simple red and white version that featured a dove carrying an olive branch. This evolved into more intricate designs during the Kennedy administration, including one that featured the presidential seal and a Menorah. Other presidents, such as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, chose to feature a reproduction of a classic painting.

Technological Advances in Printing

The technology used to create the White House Christmas cards has also changed dramatically over the years. Research and development of the printing process has allowed for more sophisticated cards to be created. In the late 1990s, the Bill Clinton administration began using digital photography and offset lithography to produce their cards. This allowed for a greater level of detail and a more vibrant image to be featured.

Modern White House Christmas Cards

Today, the White House Christmas cards are still being sent out to friends, family and dignitaries around the globe. The cards now feature high resolution digital photography and often include a holiday greeting from the president and his family. This year’s card was designed by First Lady Melania Trump and included a photograph of the family decorating the White House Christmas tree.

The White House Christmas cards are not only a reminder of the season, but also of the history that has taken place in the White House over the years. With each card bringing a unique message and design, they remind us of the spirit of the season, the importance of family and our shared humanity.

Photos Show First Lady Melania Trump S 2020 White House Christmas Decor Fox8 Wghp