Showing posts with label White House Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label White House Christmas. Show all posts

White House Week

27.12.14

Check out the President and First Lady's weekly address, this week with a festive theme!



(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The First Lady also spoke to children across the USA as part of the NORAD Tracks Santa program.

And a bonus themed Presidential link- White House Christmas cards from over the past 88 years!

It was also great to look back at some of the White House's highlights on Twitter this year and watch the festive highlights too!

White House Week

20.12.14

This week saw the historic announcement that diplomatic relations would be reopened between the United States and Cuba. Read the President's statement below:

"Yesterday, after more than 50 years, we began to change America's relationship with the people of Cuba.

We are recognizing the struggle and sacrifice of the Cuban people, both in the U.S. and in Cuba, and ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance U.S. interests for decades. In doing so, we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries.

I was born in 1961, just over two years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, and just as the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with that country.

Our complicated relationship with this nation played out over the course of my lifetime -- against the backdrop of the Cold War, with our steadfast opposition to communism in the foreground. Year after year, an ideological and economic barrier hardened between us.

That previous approach failed to promote change, and it's failed to empower or engage the Cuban people. It's time to cut loose the shackles of the past and reach for a new and better future with this country.

First, I have instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to re-establish diplomatic relations that have been severed since 1961. Going forward, we will re-establish an embassy in Havana, and high-ranking officials will once again visit Cuba.

Second, I have also instructed Secretary Kerry to review Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism -- a review guided by the facts and the law. At a time when we are focused on threats from ISIL and al Qaeda, a nation that meets our conditions and renounces terrorism should not face such a sanction.

Third, we'll take steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to -- and from -- Cuba. These steps will make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba. They will make it easier for Americans to conduct authorized trade with Cuba, including exports of food, medicine, and medical products to Cuba. And they will facilitate increased telecommunications connections between our two countries: American businesses will be able to sell goods that enable Cubans to communicate with the United States and other countries.

These changes don't constitute a reward or a concession to Cuba. We are making them because it will spur change among the people of Cuba, and that is our main objective.

Change is hard -- especially so when we carry the heavy weight of history on our shoulders.

Our country is cutting that burden loose to reach for a better future.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama."

The President and First Lady also celebrated Hanukkah.



This week, the Vice President and Dr Biden dedicated five trees at the Naval Observatory, recognising each branch of the US Armed Forces. Capturing their personal experiences, military families from all across the country handcrafted the ornaments that adorn the trees. Atop each tree is a gold star, embodying the spirit, bravery, and patriotism of those who serve.

Earlier this month, Dr. Biden hosted a holiday celebration in honor of our military, veterans, and their families at the Vice President’s Residence. "We owe thanks today, and everyday, to those who wear the uniform. And we owe a debt of gratitude to their families because, as all of you know, when you have a family who serves in the military, the whole family serves too," Dr. Biden said.

Dr. Biden places an ornament of the National Guard Memorial on a holiday tree in her office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., December 12, 2014. (Photo by SSG Michelle Gonzalez, National Guard Bureau)

White House Christmas 2014

13.12.14

First Lady Michelle Obama poses with the 2014 White House Christmas ornament, Dec. 3, 2014. (Official WH Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Feeling festive? You certainly will be once you've taken a look at this special White House Christmas post!



Find out more about tthe 3D printed ornament challenge

Download tthe 2014 Holiday Tour Book 

Download the Bo and Sunny wrapping paper, matching gift tags and the gingerbread cookies recipe!

The White House
For a further look at a White House Christmas past and present click here. 

The White House Christmas Tree

29.11.14

First Lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia, along with Bo and Sunny, welcome the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House. The tree arrived by a horse-drawn wagon. November 28, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia, Bo, and Sunny greeted the 18.5-foot-tall Douglas Fir yesterday, along with the Botek family -- who grew the impressive evergreen on the Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Leighton, Pennsylvania.

American tree farmers from around the country have been presenting the White House with an official Christmas tree since 1966. And for Chris Botek, the White House tree is becoming a bit of a family tradition. His parents, Francis and Margaret, won the White House Christmas Tree competition in 2006.

The tree will be decorated and ready for viewing in the Blue Room on December 3, when the First Lady will welcome military families to the White House to get a first look at the holiday decorations. As in years past, many of this year's decorations will honor military families for their service to our country.

Behind the Scenes at the White House: November/December 2013

2.2.14

Go behind the scenes at The White House with these great photos! Taken during the period November/December 2013, additional images can be viewed here.

























White House Week

28.12.13

A festive look behind the scenes at the White House:



And this year's gingerbread house!



We also received the weekly presidential address from the President and the First Lady.



Also be sure to check out the White House 2013 In Review.

White House Week

21.12.13

The White House reminded individuals that you have until December 23rd to select a plan in order for your health insurance to start by January 1st.

If you still have not arranged your health coverage visit HealthCare.gov to search for a plan, compare prices and get covered.

Earlier this week, the White House announced they're new field trip series with Discovery Education. 'Of the People: Live from the White House,' will offer middle and high school students unique access to the White House, and curator William Allman will provide webinars detailing the history and art of the iconic residence. Find out more here.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
On Wednesday afternoon, President Obama and the First Lady met with a group of moms in the Oval Office to talk about how health reform has benefitted their families. They talked about the critical role that moms are playing in helping their families access quality, affordable health care by encouraging their adult children, family members and their peers to sign up for coverage.

First Lady Michelle Obama said that she’s involved with this issue “because I’m a mom.”

"It’s our job as mothers to make sure that our young people are informed about their “invincibility,” to make sure that other moms and families out there really understand what this law provides and that they can take advantage of it. This is the beauty of it. People have choices. They can go on to the website; they can talk to a navigator; they can learn for themselves what the law means and what it doesn’t mean. And that's really, really what we want people to do, is educate yourselves. Get that education. Make the choice that's best for your family, because the options are there."

Earlier this week, the first White House Holiday Social took place. Pinners, Instagramers and White House Twitter followers from near and far gathered at the White House to take in the 2013 holiday decorations and learn about what goes in to transforming the People's House for this special time of year. Social guests joined White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling for a craft project, learned about the making of the White House Gingerbread house with Executive Pastry Chef William Yosses and talked to Joining Forces Executive Director Rich Morales and Deputy Director Rory Brosius. Throughout the day, they shared photos and updates with their social media followers using the hashtag #WHHoliday. Check out some of the coverage here! 

The First Lady reads Twas the Night before Christmas

17.12.13

Let's all get in the festive spirit!



Accompanied by Bo and Sunny, the First Lady wore gray pants and a gray sweater.

A Kennedy Christmas

16.12.13

Look to President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy this Christmas for some festive inspiration...





John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Top to bottom: The White House Christmas Tree 1961, Givenchy dress worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, the President and the First Lady 1961, Christmas Day in Palm Beach.

A White House Christmas

11.12.13

Seeing the White House at Christmas really is exciting- and signals that the festive season is on its way! The White House has also launched their official holidays page, where you can read all about and see in action holiday decorations from Christmases past and present.

This year, the White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yossess and his talented team have created a 300 pound White House replica. The gingerbread creation features a miniature Bo and Sunny sitting on the front steps of the house, as well as a functioning replica of the North Lawn fountain!

Check out the video below to see how the creation was put together.



Why not try recreating some of the White House decorations for yourself? Click here to download instructions and templates, as well as the official guide book for the holidays.

And if you missed it, here's the lighting of the National Christmas Tree!

The Official White House Christmas Tree has arrived!

2.12.13



The First Lady accompanied by Malia and Sasha received the official White House Christmas tree late last week.

The 18.5 foot Douglas fir tree is from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. For the event, Mrs O wore black pants paired with a purple and pink argyle sweater and a black overcoat. Special mention for Sasha and her amazing silver brogues!
One Beat Designs Mlekoshi playground