Category Archives: White House Christmas

President and Michelle Obama celebrating Hanukkah (Getty Images)

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took part in a Hanukkah celebration in the East Room of the White House last night, the second night of the Jewish festival of lights. The Obamas watched as guests recited prayers and lit the candles of a menorah. The guest list of over five hundred people also included one-third of the Supreme Court. Justices Breyer, Ginsburg and Kagan were all present at this event.

A unique menorah, loaned to the White House by a New Orleans’ congregation, was used for this ceremony. The beautiful menorah was one of a few items to endure Hurricane Katrina; it was restored to be re-lit for Hanukkah.

For this celebration, Mrs. Obama was dressed in a L’Wren Scott cashmere cardigan adorned in blue sequins (available here). She paired this cardigan with a black dress, featuring a full skirt and accessorized by adding a vintage brooch pinned at her shoulder and small, stud earrings.

To get a better look at the dress and hear President Obama’s address, check out the video below!

Michelle Obama announces "Simple Gifts" (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

This afternoon, at a special White House holiday preview for military members and their family, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the long awaited 2010 White House Christmas theme of “Simple Gifts.” Ever since Jackie Kennedy began the tradition of the White House Christmas theme in 1961, the first ladies have been honored with the privilege of choosing the White House Christmas theme. In her address at this Christmas preview, Michelle stated that she believes this year’s decorations are even more beautiful than those of last year. She also expressed her excitement about the “Simple Gifts” theme, explaining, “The greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing: the time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need.”

Take a look at the video below for a preview of the “Simple Gifts” decorations.

For this event, Michelle chose to wear a sleeveless, navy and gold sheath dress paired with a matching jacket. In my opinion, this year’s Christmas theme is very original, especially compared to many of the first ladies’ often repeated themes, such as “Children” or “The Nutcracker.” Additionally, I think Mrs. Obama’s attire looks lovely! She is starting the holidays off with a bang!

What do you think about the 2010 White House Christmas theme?