White House Christmas Cards: A Journey Through Time

The White House Christmas cards, a tradition that has spanned over eight decades, offer a fascinating glimpse into the personal styles and political leanings of the presidents and their families. Each card, a unique blend of art, history, and sentiment, serves as a time capsule, capturing the essence of the era in which it was created.

From Franklin D. Roosevelt's first card in 1933 to Joe Biden's inaugural card in 2021, the White House Christmas cards have evolved in design and message, reflecting the changing times and the individuals who inhabited the historic residence. Let's delve into the rich history of these cards, exploring their designs, themes, and the stories they tell.

Early Years: A Tradition Takes Root

The tradition of the White House Christmas card began under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, in 1933, sent out the first official card from the White House. The card featured a simple, elegant design with a red border and the presidential seal, a design that would be replicated in some form for many years to come.

The cards of the 1940s and 1950s continued this tradition, with the Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy administrations opting for classic, understated designs. The messages, however, reflected the tumultuous times, with themes of unity, hope, and patriotism prevalent during World War II and the early years of the Cold War.

Post-War Modernism

With the 1960s came a shift in design, reflecting the modernist aesthetic of the era. President John F. Kennedy's cards, for instance, featured bold, graphic designs, a departure from the traditional, ornate styles of the past. The 1963 card, designed by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, was a striking example of this new approach, with its bold, red and green stripes and the presidential seal in gold.

This modernist trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with cards from the Nixon, Carter, Reagan, and Bush administrations featuring bold colors, geometric shapes, and modern fonts. The messages, too, reflected the political climate of the time, with themes of peace, prosperity, and family values.

The Digital Age

The advent of the digital age brought about another shift in the White House Christmas card tradition. With the Clinton administration in the 1990s, cards began to feature photographs of the first family, a trend that would continue into the 21st century. The 1996 card, for instance, featured a photograph of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton with their daughter Chelsea, standing in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Blue Room.

This personal touch continued with the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, with each family choosing a photograph that reflected their unique style and personality. The messages, too, became more personal, with the Obamas and Trumps opting for handwritten notes.

Special Editions and Collaborations

Over the years, the White House Christmas card has also been the canvas for special editions and collaborations. In 2009, the Obama administration commissioned renowned artist Shepard Fairey to create a card featuring his iconic "HOPE" poster, a symbol of the president's election campaign.

In 2017, the Trump administration released a special edition card featuring the official White House Christmas ornament, a tradition that began under President Bill Clinton. The ornament, a miniature replica of the North Portico of the White House, was designed by artist Michael Deannah and featured a red ribbon and a gold-plated finish.

Art and History

The White House Christmas cards have also served as a platform for showcasing American art and history. In 2015, the Obama administration chose a card designed by artist Kadir Nelson, featuring a painting of the first family gathered around a roaring fireplace in the Yellow Oval Room, surrounded by historic artifacts and works of art from the White House collection.

In 2020, the Trump administration released a card featuring a painting by artist Jon McNaughton, depicting a historic scene of the first Christmas in America, with the Pilgrims celebrating the holiday in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Holiday Greetings from Around the World

The White House Christmas card has also been a means of extending holiday greetings to Americans and friends around the world. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy sent out cards in multiple languages, a tradition that would continue with subsequent administrations.

In 2018, the Trump administration released a card featuring a quote from President Abraham Lincoln's 1862 Proclamation Establishing a National Fast-Day, a poignant reminder of the unity and resilience of the American people during challenging times.

As we look back on the rich history of the White House Christmas card, we are reminded of the enduring power of tradition and the unique role that these cards play in capturing the spirit of the times. From the simple elegance of the early cards to the modernist designs of the mid-20th century and the personal touches of the digital age, each card offers a glimpse into the lives and legacies of the presidents and their families. As we continue this tradition into the future, we look forward to the stories that the next generation of White House Christmas cards will tell.