How presidents have spent their Christmases in office: From Hawaii to Mar-a-Lago

As presidents come and go, so do their unique Christmas traditions at the White House. From hosting indoor snowball fights to reading classic holiday tales, each commander in chief leaves their mark on the holiday season in their own special way.

In 2021, President Joe Biden decided to bring his family’s Christmas celebration to the White House, a departure from their usual location in Delaware. The extended Biden family attended Mass on Christmas Eve before enjoying a pasta dinner and having a sleepover, continuing their own family traditions.

Former President Donald Trump, who is set to return to office, often spent his Christmases at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He and first lady Melania Trump attended Christmas services at a local church in Palm Beach, where they married in 2005.

President Barack Obama enjoyed spending the Christmas holiday with his family in Hawaii, creating a tradition of quiet celebrations with friends and family. They also made a point to visit a local Marine base to thank soldiers for their service on Christmas Day.

President George Bush and his father, George H. W. Bush, chose to spend their Christmases near the nation’s capital at the Camp David presidential retreat. This tradition was carried on for many years and became a cherished part of their holiday celebrations.

Throughout history, U.S. presidents have hosted a variety of events at the White House to mark the Christmas season, from elaborate parties to intimate family gatherings. President Andrew Jackson famously hosted an indoor “snowball” fight for children at his “frolic” party, while President Franklin Roosevelt read “A Christmas Carol” aloud after a festive meal.

One popular myth surrounding the White House is that President Theodore Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from being cut down and placed in the residence. However, this was not the case, as Christmas trees in every home is a relatively modern tradition. In fact, Roosevelt’s son Archie started his own tradition by sneaking a small tree into the White House and decorating it in secret before revealing it to his family.

While each president brings their own unique traditions to the White House during the holiday season, one thing remains constant – the spirit of Christmas and the joy of spending time with loved ones.