Christmas at the White House

From the earliest days of our country, occupants of the White House have tried to extend its hospitality to as many people as possible, especially during the holiday season. White House history is packed with accounts of public receptions, gala parties, tours, and open houses, with the "People's House" dressed up in its sparkling best. As the days of horse-drawn carriages have given way to jet planes, television, and the internet, a holiday visit to the White House has become accessible to millions around the world.

Christmas at the White House is celebrated both publicly and privately, and you will find both in this book. While throngs of visitors enjoy the beauty of the splendidly decorated public spaces, each presidential family carries on their own cherished holiday traditions upstairs in the residence. Favorite ornaments hang on the family tree, and small gatherings with friends and family provide a wonderful and sustaining sense of the familiar. I enjoy thinking about the special new traditions and holiday fun that the Obama family-and especially Sasha and Malia-will bring to the White House during their time there.

Of all the indelible memories from our time in Washington, some my family and I will always cherish most are of those beautiful days of celebration. I appreciate the hard work Jennifer Pickens has done to distill many Christmases into this lovely retrospective.

Laura Bush