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A Red, White and Blue Christmas

"This year’s theme celebrates the patriotic spirit that unites us as Americans. During this hopeful season we are reminded of the blessings of freedom we enjoy, and we renew our sense of what is important in our lives. Family and friends gather to share old traditions and create new ones. Strangers exchange smiles and tidings of good cheer. Children happily sing along to the songs of the holidays and help bake holiday treats for their loved ones. " - President and Mrs. Bush

A Red, White and Blue Christmas

Presidential Transition

The peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential Administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy. With our Nation at war, our homeland targeted by terrorist adversaries, and our economy facing serious challenges, the Administration is committed to establishing and executing a transition plan that minimizes disruption, maintains continuity, and addresses the major changes in government since the 2000 transition, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as well as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Homeland Security Council.

In Focus: Transition

U.S. Economy

President Bush has outlined decisive government action to preserve and sustain America's financial system and economy. This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets – and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages – have spread throughout our financial system. As a result, the government is acting now to protect our Nation's economic health from serious risk.

In Focus: Economy

Latest News

President George W. Bush exchanges knuckles with Santa Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, during the 2008 Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. It is the 85th year of the ceremony that began during the Coolidge Administration. White House photo by Eric Draper

President and Mrs. Bush Attend 2008 Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony: President Bush on Thursday said, "Today we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the National Christmas Tree lighting. In times of calm, and in times of challenge, Americans have gathered for this ceremony. The simple story we remember during the season speaks to every generation. It is the story of a humble birth in a quiet town, and the story of one life that changed millions more. For two millennia, the story of Christmas has brought joy to families, comfort to communities, and hope to hearts around the world."
Holidays at the White House 2008
President Bush Participates in Roundtable on Mentoring Children of Prisoners Initiative: President Bush on Tuesday said, "I am thankful that you all have come to talk to me about a very important initiative, and it's a mentoring program aimed at helping children of people who are incarcerated. I set a goal for the country that from 2003 until 2008 that we'd have 100,000 such matches with adults combined with a child who could use some love. And I'm pleased that as of September we've exceeded that goal. And I want to thank you all for being a part of a program that hopefully is bringing hope to people's lives. I think it is."
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Dana Perino: Watch Thursday's Press Briefing with White House Press Secretary Dana Perino
President Bush Discusses World AIDS Day: President Bush on Monday said, "Today is World AIDS Day, a day we reaffirm our commitment to fight HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. Thirty-three million people around the world are living with HIV, including more than one million Americans. Once again this year, to observe World AIDS Day, there is a red ribbon on the North Portico of the White House. The ribbon is a symbol of our resolve to confront HIV/AIDS and to affirm the matchless value of every life." En Español
In Focus: HIV/AIDS
World AIDS Day Discussed on "Ask the White House": On Monday, Ambassador Mark Dybul, US Global AIDS Coordinator, discussed World AIDS Day. View the transcript.

Welcoming the President of the Republic of Ghana to the White House height=

September 15, 2008
Welcoming the President of the Republic of Ghana to the White House

<a href="https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081205015936/http://www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/mrsbush.v.html">/firstlady/mrsbush.v.html</a>

June, 2008