First Lady Unveils Christmas Decorations

[Manu]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- First lady Laura Bush asked Americans to "remember other people during this Christmas" as she unveiled a White House dressed up in an elegant red-and-gold decor made whimsical by papier mache recreations of the pets of presidents past.

"I wish for peace," said Mrs. Bush when asked for her wish for the season. "I hope that all Americans will remember other people during this Christmas, ask senior citizens in, visit with people who are lonely, that they'll work in their food banks, that they make sure that they use their good fortune to help others who are less fortunate."

The first lady also asked that the families of those serving in the military -- "deployed around the world right now defending our freedoms" -- would get thanks and support. And she reminded that the sting of last September 11 will still be smarting this season for those who lost a loved one in the terrorist attacks.

The weather helped out for the annual preview of the gussied-up executive mansion that will serve as a backdrop for 19 holiday parties -- for lawmakers, state officials, staff, friends, the media and others. A blast of wintry weather dumped a blanket of snow that lent a festive air from outside to the twinkling lights, gilded decorations and elaborate confections inside.

The Bushes' official holiday entertaining season got under way Wednesday, with a Hanukkah gathering and a reception for the artists and decorators that brought the decorations to life. Late Thursday, the president and first lady were hosting the pageant of peace in which the national Christmas tree on the National Mall is lit.

The theme -- "all creatures, great and small" -- had papier mache likenesses of a Noah's Ark of animals that have played a role in White House life, whether as companions or beasts of burden, protruding from nearly every nook and cranny. The lineup includes George Washington's horse, Nelson, up through Spotty, Barney and Willie, the Bushes' two dogs and cat that earned a special spot on the mantle in the grand entry hall.

The traditional gingerbread house, about a month in the making by pastry chef Roland Mesnier, this year features a large lawn to make room for dozens of tiny marzipan pets -- including a goldfish in a bowl, a snake, two raccoons, and a rooster. But though former President Clinton's cat Socks made the menagerie, his beloved late dog Buddy did not.

Mesnier, of course, meant no offense, just noted there were "already quite a few dogs."

In addition, nearly every available inch of the centerpiece 18-foot Noble fir, gracing the oval Blue Room, is covered with birds. The White House enlisted the governors of every state to recommend artists who would contribute a favorite bird.

Mrs. Bush said her favorite was the enormous turkey resting on a low branch. Also on the tree were a small framed painting of a pelican, a mockingbird from her home state of Texas, an owl and "lots of cardinals" that fit perfectly with the red theme, she said.

The theme this year was partially inspired by Mrs. Bush's love of bird-watching and by the Bush family's own devotion to their pets.

The real-life Bush dogs dutifully followed Mrs. Bush, who was clad in a bright red two-piece dress, as she went from room to room. But Spot, an English Springer Spaniel, was decidedly more obedient than Scottish Terrier Barney, who wandered busily on his own agenda.

And Willie cat -- "just too shy," Mrs. Bush said -- stayed out of sight. "The cat doesn't do press," observed Noelia Rodriguez, Mrs. Bush's spokeswoman.

www.cnn.com
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Who pays for all of these decorations?

[Snouter]

I don't know, it probably isn't that much but is ridiculous to have hanakah and christmas and whatever else since they contradict eachother. I personally hate to see all the pine trees destroyed for this tradition. They should be providing oxygen and hiding places for small animals and birds but they get chopped down and humiliated with ugly decorations. I think Slick Willie actually had rubbers hanging from their tree. I am not a tree hugger, but I don't believe in wasting resources.

[Manu]

Well, im not going to comment on the entire tradition as there are so many that are utterly wasteful, but I wonder what the dollar amount of the white house decorations are.

I mean, it is prolly 100, 000 bucks, after the house + tree is said and done.

Its fine for the president to celebrate his religious holidays in the white house, but why do they do the Jewish one and the Christian one?

Why do the taxpayers pay for his tree?

[Cat Patrol]

Why are the Bush's, a Christian family, celebrating Hannakah? It makes no sense.

[buggy]

Originally posted by Cat Patrol
Why are the Bush's, a Christian family, celebrating Hannakah? It makes no sense.

PR move.

[Kyle Gridley]

Originally posted by Cat Patrol
Why are the Bush's, a Christian family, celebrating Hannakah? It makes no sense.

It helps keep the jews happy. Anything for the jews, you know...

[Corporate Avenger]

Originally posted by Kyle Gridley


It helps keep the jews happy. Anything for the jews, you know...

Yea, those crazy Jews...

[RedLine99]

Originally posted by Manu Why do the taxpayers pay for his tree?

I recall many years that the tree was "donated" <ahem>.

[Jay13]

I know that this is but here is an interesting christmas tree link.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/treefacts.html