Holiday decorating a White House tradition

In response to Randall Richardson’s letter bemoaning the extravagance of the holiday decorating in the White House, I’d like to clarify for him and anyone else who read it that the holiday decorating of the White House is an annual tradition that goes back for decades.

In 1929, the tradition became an official White House event. The First Lady has been responsible for the decorating, including selecting a theme every year. In 1973, the Nixons started a new tradition: that of letting volunteers help decorate. Every year thousands offer to help, and it is considered an honor and even a dream come true for some to be selected to help decorate the White House for the holidays.

The White House is really the people’s house and the Obamas are simply carrying on a tradition that will continue to be carried on by whomever is in the White House two years from now.

If the Obamas had not decorated the White House for the holidays, I’m certain they would have been attacked for it. It seems they’re cursed if they do and cursed if they don’t.

Debbi Sippel

Island Lake