This year's holiday theme combines the wonder of the season with the magic of those classic children’s stories that have captured our hearts and shaped American culture. Just like the holidays, great stories have a way of bringing families together.

On winter nights, children enjoy curling up with a loved one for cocoa and a story. And parents beam with excitement when their children unwrap a new book which just happens to be one of their childhood favorites.

Since stories bring us together, we’ve brought some favorite children’s storybook characters to the White House to celebrate the holidays. Our thanks to the Executive Residence staff members who recreated the characters. And special thanks to the authors and illustrators who have given us the stories we celebrate.

 President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush arrive at the Pageant of Peace to light the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse in Washington DC on Thursday December 4, 2003. White House photo by Paul Morse.

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading to All!

• 2003 Holiday Book | [HTML] | [PDF]

• First Lady Holiday Tour     

• BarneyCam Photos
• 360 Degree Views of the State Rooms
• 2003 Holiday Decoration Photos
• 2003 Holiday Decoration Photos, Part II
• Presidential Greeting Cards
• Historical Holiday Photos
• Historical Holiday Photos, Part II
• 2002 Holiday

BarneyCam II	Barney & Spot's Winter Wonderland
Barbara Bush reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas" 1	Andrew Card reads "Little Lost Angel"
Secretary Ann Veneman reads "Auntie Claus" 2	Education Secretary Rod Paige Reads "The Grinch" (English)
SBA Administrator Hector Barreto Reads "The Grinch" (Español)	OMB Director Josh Bolten Reads "What is Hanukkah"
OMB Director Josh Bolten Reads "It's Hanukkah"	Treasury Secretary Snow Reads "Olive, the Other Reindeer" 3
Secretary Evans Reads "Cowboy Night Before Christmas" 4	Mrs. Bush Reads "Angelina's Christmas"

• Presidential Message: Christmas 2003
• Presidential Message: Hanukkah 2003
• Presidential Message: Kwanzaa 2003
• President Remarks at White House Menorah Lighting
• President Visits with Angel Tree Children
• 2003 Holiday Theme is "A Season of Stories"
• Mrs. Bush Gives Holiday Tour
• President Bush Lights National Christmas Tree
• Mrs. Bush Interview with Bill Plante
• Mrs. Bush Interview with Norah O'Donnell
• Mrs. Bush Interview with Claire Shipman