Christmas at the White House: Historical Trivia Questions by Gregory Hilton

President George W. Bush and his family gather for the last time at Camp David on Christmas, December 25, 2008. Seated front row, Lauren Bush, Ashley Bush, Ellie LeBlond, Gigi Koch, Elizabeth Andrews, Marshall Bush, Pace Andrews, Walker Bush. Second row, John E. Bush, George P. Bush, Barbara Bush, Pierce Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush, President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna Hager, Top row, Mandi Bush, Sam LeBlond, Neil Bush, Ally Bush, Maria Bush, Bobby Koch, Doro Koch, Margaret Bush, Marvin Bush, Columba Bush, former Gov. Jeb Bush, Henry Hager, Noelle Bush, and Robert Koch.

QUESTIONS: When did the first Christmas Tree appear at the White House? Who sent the first Christmas cards? When was the first Christmas Party, the first tree lighting ceremony, the first official message and the first tree with a theme? Which President banned Christmas trees? Which President avoided all Christmas celebrations? Which President ordered the tree to be immediately decorated 26 days after Christmas was over? Are religious ornaments banned at the White House?

The True Meaning of Christmas by Gregory Hilton

My parents have passed away but at Christmas I am reminded of our family traditions. When I was young my mother read “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Her message was neither unique nor especially profound. She felt it was important for a small child to understand why Ebenezer Scrooge was so unhappy. He had every…thing as far as material wealth was concerned, but had been miserable for decades.