Per historical accounts, the first White House Christmas party was hosted by President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams in 1800 because their 4-year-old granddaughter was living with them at the time, and they used it as an opportunity to invite government officials and their children to the event. I can fully relate to that two-fer: build some goodwill and create some entertainment for a little one.
President Andrew Jackson was known for having "frolics" for the children of his household help that even included indoor snowball fights. Thankfully for the décor, they were made from cotton balls.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is credited for starting the tradition of choosing annual themes for the White House decorations. This is another milestone for holiday celebrations.
The tradition of opening up the White House for holiday celebrations continues to this day, and I was delighted to be invited this year by the White House Public Engagement office and even able to bring a plus one with me: lucky Don!
After standing in the entry line for a bit during one mid-December evening, I was grateful for warmth winning out over vanity with a big coat snuggled around me. This rang true especially while standing in line with folks who looked quite festive but had to have been freezing in the time it took to make it past three security check points. Still, I think everyone warmed up rather quickly when we made it into the magical decor that transformed the White House from the People's House to a Nutcracker delight.
Once inside, it was completely acceptable to wander the lower rooms that included the Library and China Room, all decked out for the holidays, before wandering up to the main lobby where the U.S. Marine Band was playing holiday songs, and White House staff were roaming the halls with trays of champagne. I had fully anticipated that we might be stopping for some real food (maybe a burger at Shake Shack?) on our way home after the cocktail hour, but we were pleasantly surprised to see a full spread and a sense that this evening wasn't going to be one that was rushed. How wonderfully unusual for a Washington D.C., soirée.
Just as eclectic as the food selection were the groups of other guests. I saw folks I knew from the economic development arena, those with public interest groups representing Americans with special needs and even long-time acquaintances from the largest of communications providers. Everyone was certainly in a holiday state of mind, so it was nice to socialize without any pressing business at hand. The President and First Lady also mingled with their guests, but I didn't want to brave the crowd of folks who were taking selfies with them, even as I admired that President Biden is far more talented at taking selfies than I am!
In fact, the evening was lovely and only marred by the text I received from a neighbor complaining that Madigan was barking in our backyard just as the Secret Service had everyone locked in place as President Biden moved from the reception to the private quarters. I’m not going to lie, that was a little stressful, but honestly, other than trying to talk to Madigan through our broadband-enabled Furbo, there was nothing I could do until the doors opened other than take a few deep breaths and quickly jump in an Uber to beat the rush. Even that, however, did not take away from the magic of the evening.