First Tweens, Malia & Sasha, on Christmas at the White House
Email ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Sasha…and even Bo Obama spent the afternoon at the Children’s National Medical Center in Northwest Washington, DC this afternoon, continuing a tradition dating back to Bess Truman. A child in the audience wanted to know how the holidays would be different this year for the Obama family, their first in the White House. "Well um, it will be easier to get on the plane than last year,” Sasha giggled, “But I don’t think anything will be very different.” The First Lady explained that every year their family goes to Hawaii – and they will this year as well. “As soon as all the work here is done we’ll go there,” Mrs. Obama said, commenting that she didn’t think her children had never missed a Christmas in Hawaii. “No there’s that one Christmas,” Malia promptly correcting her mother, likely in reference to the Christmas of 2007uwhen the Obamas spent Christmas in Chicago, so their father could be out on the campaign trail just days later in Iowa. Another child in the audience was interested to know what they would give the President for Christmas. "I can't tell," the First Lady answered quickly, pointing to press in the back of the room. Sasha assured everyone – through some more laughter – that she got her dad “something he likes.” Another child was curious to know how many Christmas trees do they have at the White House. "Unfortunately we don't get presents under all of them," Malia said of the 26 trees at the White House. Sasha interjected that they have a special tree – the “Wishing Tree” – the first year of a tradition that the Obamas hope to start at the White House. “It is made out of cardboard and so you can write down a wish and you can roll it up and you can put it in the holes and it might come true,” Sasha said. During the reading portion of the program it was Bo Obama, dressed festively in a red and white collar with jingle bells, who stole the show.
The First Lady read “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore pausing at first to get First Dog Bo Obama in line after he started barking. “Get him a treat,” the First lady said, prompting Malia to hand over a zip-lock bags of treats in hopes to quiet their dog. After a while it was obvious it was not a treat that Bo was barking about, but rather the Santa Claus on stage. “He is really a guard dog I guess,” Malia Obama said. The Santa changed positions on stage to the other side, much to Bo’s liking.
After The First Lady finished reading, Sasha and Malia took turns reading alternating pages of the book, Snowmen at Night, by Caralyn Buehner. T At one point Malia read about a snowman sledding down a mountain, “wahoo they all yell,” Malia exclaimed, “extending the wahoooooo!” Everyone laughed and the First Lady asked her oldest daughter to regale them again. “Wahooooo!” Malia yelled again smiling. Beforehand the First Lady and her daughters visited patients in the 26-bed Heart and Kidney Unit. Bo Obama mingled with the 200 patients and hospital staff in the audience. A hospital worker followed behind Bo offering a squirt of anti-bacterial lotion. -Sunlen Miller
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It’s so great to hear our new first Family are enjoying their first Christmas in the White House. Thank you for sharing with the world. I want to saY to Mr. President, YES WE CAN!! We will work with you on your mission.
Posted by: Doris Green | December 22, 2009, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm
That’s a fun story. I wish them a merry Christmas. It would take a black hearted person to find something negative in this.
Posted by: Clt | December 22, 2009, 5:46 pm 5:46 pm
I really do like the way that the first family takes the time to do these things for others in the country. It seemed like the first daughters liked this experience as well.
Posted by: Tina | December 22, 2009, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm
Merry Christmas. This story warms my heart. Although I’m not aligned with the President’s politics (agenda), I’m reminded we are all along this journey together. I pray for his health, heart and spirit during this holiday season. I am even more tempered by First Lady Obama’s continuing efforts to bring peace and normalcy to her children. Thank you for sharing this story!
Posted by: Atlanta Girl | December 22, 2009, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm
What a great story! I am a RN and it is always a bright spot for patients, families, and staff when people take time out of their busy days to help make the holidays a little brighter for those who are ill or injured. Michelle Obama sets a wonderful example for her children and our country.
Posted by: yellowrosetexas | December 22, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
“It would take a black hearted person to find something negative in this”
That sounds… R-A-A-A-A-C-I-S-T!
I wish the Obama girls a very Merry Christmas. As far as President Obama, I hope he has a change of heart this Christmas season and becomes less radical and more centrist. Yes, I am hoping for a Christmas miracle…
Posted by: The Audacity of Copenhagen | December 22, 2009, 6:09 pm 6:09 pm
I am so proud and touched in the way that the obamas are teaching and showing the importance of giving back. they are beautiful and blessed little girls with parents who love them so much.
Posted by: annie | December 22, 2009, 6:34 pm 6:34 pm
I’m so thrilled to have an actual family back in the White House again.
No, it really doesn’t have anything to do with a particular President’s policies, but I can’t help but think it may help to keep our President a bit more centered. Give him other important things to think about as well as the state of our country.
I think, with a couple of adorable tweens and a darling dog in the White House, it makes it a lot easier to relate to the First Family. (Now if only I had Michelle’s toned body as well!)
Happy Holiday vacation, Obamas! You’ve earned them!
Posted by: JaylahPriest | December 22, 2009, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm
Is the taxpayers paying for Air Force One to take them to Hawaii. Let me remind everyone that there are people that dont have a home for Christmas due to foreclosures and alot of people dont have jobs. But yet we are paying for the President and his family to go to Hawaii. I dont care what color he is, its just wrong.
Posted by: patty | December 22, 2009, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm
Is the taxpayers paying for Air Force One to take them to Hawaii.
____________________________________
Do you have any idea of how many time the previous President flew back and forth between Washington and his home in Texas on Air Force One?
Try to get some historical perspective before making such comments.
Posted by: tierra | December 22, 2009, 6:57 pm 6:57 pm
Patty, what…? Every president uses Air Force One. It’s not something they created JUST for Obama. What about the dozens…HUNDREDS…of trips Bush took to Crawford? It’s not their fault his family lives in Hawaii. Would you rather they virtually shut down an aiport if they had to pay their way? Do you know how much it would cost the taxpayers if they DIDN’T have Air Force One?? Think of the security risks and all they’d have to do to ensure his safety…You’re insane if you think that Air Force One is over the top for a President.
Posted by: Laura | December 22, 2009, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
awwwwwwww I thought the BO girls were off-limits to the MEDIA……. OH YA……… BO can use them for HIS political purposes…………..
Posted by: vet1970 | December 22, 2009, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
Laura and Tierra, while I agree that Patty was incorrect to complain about the Obamas’ use of Air Force One, I find it interesting that both of you responded with comments about President Bush’s use of Air Force One.
Why is that? Did you think Bush should NOT have used Air Force One? Or did you think President Bush’s ‘excessive’ use justifies President Obama’s use?
The use of Air Force One is necessary because of security and its extensive communication capabilities. I definitely do not want any POTUS traveling ‘commercial’.
Just because a POTUS…any POTUS…is out of the Oval Office, doesn’t mean he/she should not be constantly protected and not be accessible at all times. Saying a POTUS is on vacation, is a stretch of the word ‘vacation’.
Posted by: malcat | December 22, 2009, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
awwwwwwww I thought the BO girls were off-limits to the MEDIA……. OH YA……… BO can use them for HIS political purposes ………..
-posted by vet1970
———–
Give it a rest, alright?
This is a nice story of Mrs. Obama and the daughters doing something nice for others. It’s not the first time they have done this sort of thing; I hope it won’t be the last.
Just because one (me for instance) may not approve of the president’s politics, doesn’t mean he and Mrs. Obama are bad parents. I wish more parents (of all races) would instill this type of caring and compassion into their children. The world would be a far better place!
Posted by: malcat | December 22, 2009, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
BO can use his kids anyways he deems….. But if he’s going to make a public spectacle out of them for HIS political purposes after HE SAID the media couldn’t cover them….. they become fair game for comments will be made about HIS COMMAND …..
Posted by: vet1970 | December 22, 2009, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Leave the kids alone.They never asked to be celebrities.
Posted by: Nephron | December 22, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Or did you think President Bush’s ‘excessive’ use justifies President Obama’s use?
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I think the anti-Obama types use the use of Air Force One to attack Obama (heck, they use anything to attack Obama). Hence, it’s worth pointing out to the Republicans and the right that ‘THEIR’ George Bush set records flying back and forth to his ranch in Texas.
It is to point out the hypocrisy (or very short term memory) in the attack on the current President.
Posted by: tierra | December 22, 2009, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
The right wingers always find a way to attack, even if it’s just a good-natured news item about Christmas and kids.
Posted by: tierra | December 22, 2009, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
“Wahooooo!” Malia yelled again smiling.” I wonder if she was quoting Howard Deen….. heheheheh
Posted by: vet1970 | December 22, 2009, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
I agree, I think it’s great to see our President, First Lady and the kids being part of a childrens Christmas. Leave out the politics, get over it and get on with the meaning of Christmas as they are doing.
Posted by: c0ncret0 | December 22, 2009, 10:41 pm 10:41 pm
Christmas has no real meaning anymore,,,, its all about sales $$$$$$$$$$$$ and materialism……. sell sell sell sell …. getting money out of our pockets to pay off that Chinese debt for BO……. and BO is using his children for political purposes every time he lets ABC take pictures or do an article about them…. hey ABC can we see your permission slip
Posted by: Vet1970 | December 22, 2009, 11:00 pm 11:00 pm
/Wow now do the Obumas cerebrate Christmas ?? I doubt they know the meaning of the season.
Posted by: Joeray | December 22, 2009, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
Since President Obama took office he has only taken 2 vacations, one to Chicago last February and 1 to Martha’s Vineyard the week that Senator Kennedy passed away. So how many vacations did President Bush take in the same time period, more than you can count on your two hands, so what if this President wants to fly to Hawaii for Christmas, he has earned it. I just don’t understand where people are saying that he is using Air Force One excessively. Now when it came to President Bush, everyone has to admit he used it excessively.
Posted by: Chacooe | December 22, 2009, 11:19 pm 11:19 pm
Have you noticed how the people who jump on here to berate the President over anything and everything can’t spell? Seriously…read these comments. The Obama haters can’t spell and have terrible grammar. Is there perhaps a correlation here? Just sayin…
Posted by: yellowrosetexas | December 22, 2009, 11:22 pm 11:22 pm
So give Obama a break. Just because he was raised in Hawaii and his family lives and has been buried there, he can’t go home for Christmas? Because why? It’s far away? It appears he is being frivolus by going to a ‘Tropic Paradise’? What would you say if you were told you could not go ‘home for Christmas’? What would be too far in AirForce 1? California….no wait, Reagan went there. Texas? NO…..Bush went there. What about Alaska? Get a grip folks and have some Christmas cheer and good will. We have always paid for our President to basically live his life since he is serving our Country in the highest honor we can bestow him and also the worst job in the US. The responsibility is crushing and the thanks are few. He is not a prisoner in the White House, he is doing his best and our advocate to the World. Please keep with the Season and Happy Christmas to all!
Posted by: EthelDolly | December 23, 2009, 12:01 am 12:01 am
If you are a republican, Bush supporter, I would tread lightly when talking about Obama’s family matters, Bush’s family is full of criminals, neurotics, and deep associations with nefarious people present day and past.
Posted by: XX | December 23, 2009, 12:35 am 12:35 am
Who gives a rats #### what the Obamas do during Christmas
Posted by: JKO | December 23, 2009, 1:31 am 1:31 am
There are a lot of typographical errors in this article.
Posted by: Will | December 23, 2009, 2:13 am 2:13 am
If you are a republican, Bush supporter, I would tread lightly when talking about Obama’s family matters, Bush’s family is full of criminals, neurotics, and deep associations with nefarious people present day and past.
————-
Name a few, starting with criminals.
Do you really want to open this debate? Think real hard, I think you might realize to let the subject drop.
Posted by: malcat | December 23, 2009, 3:07 am 3:07 am
I think the anti-Obama types use the use of Air Force One to attack Obama (heck, they use anything to attack Obama). Hence, it’s worth pointing out to the Republicans and the right that ‘THEIR’ George Bush set records flying back and forth to his ranch in Texas.
It is to point out the hypocrisy (or very short term memory) in the attack on the current President.
————
Did Patty attack the President? Was she an ‘Obama-hater’, or was she expressing an opinion that use of Air Force One by any president was expensive? I didn’t see an attack; I saw an opinion that I disagreed with.
Chacooe writes in her note: “So how many vacations did President Bush take in the same time period, more than you can count on your two hands..” She lists 2 vacations for the Obamas. There were also a couple trips to Chicago in addition to the vacation.
–In the same time period…11 months after first taking office? More than on two hands? I really don’t think so.
She then goes on to say: “Now when it came to President Bush, everyone has to admit he used it excessively.”
No, I don’t have to admit any such thing. As one other poster stated: “We have always paid for our President to basically live his life since he is serving our Country in the highest honor we can bestow him and also the worst job in the US. The responsibility is crushing and the thanks are few. He is not a prisoner in the White House,…”
I happen to believe that statement applies to all Presidents, not just the ones I voted for; not just the ones I like. Being POTUS is probably the most stressful, heartbreaking, mind-destroying job in the world.
And I am aware that just because the President is not in the Oval Office, does not mean he/she is not working. Being POTUS is 24/7..every week. Saying a President is on vacation is a stretch of the word ‘vacation’.
But I’m just a hateful, spiteful Republican. How can I be so unbiased against a Democratic president AND his lovely family while so many caring, tolerant Democrats begrudge a Republican president who chose to spend time at his ranch instead of Camp David?
Why is that?
Posted by: malcat | December 23, 2009, 3:32 am 3:32 am
Why is that?
_____________________________
It’s not that hard to understand.
When the current President is attacked for using Air Force One (or taking a holiday! We saw lots of that when Obama took one week off) – it is always worth pointing out his use of Air Force One is certainly not out of line – especially when compared with the last President.
Some people apparently don’t know the last President commonly used Air Force One to fly back and forth from his ranch in Texas.
And (as previously noted by many) the last President spent a LOT of time at his ranch in Texas.
It’s not really that difficult to understand – if the right wing weren’t so hot to trot to criticize the current President for everything and anything (including holidays and Air Force One), you wouldn’t see nearly the same backlash comparing the habits of George Bush to that of the current President.
Posted by: tierra | December 23, 2009, 4:17 am 4:17 am
Tierra, Do you not recall all the hate and spite and condemnation directed against President Bush because of his use of Air Force One? I’m quite certain you do; you are an intelligent person.
Remember, I’m talking about criticism against Bush BEFORE Barak Obama even ran for POTUS. You say that your criticism of Bush NOW is justified by criticism against President Obama. What was the justification for the criticism then? Perhaps some people who rant incessantly against President Obama do so because of the vile directed against President Bush.
Is it the number of times Bush went to Texas? What do you believe would be an acceptable number of times a POTUS should use Air Force One for personal trips?
I don’t believe there was anything wrong with President Bush’s use of Air Force One. He chose to spend time at his ranch in Texas rather than at Camp David. I do not for a minute believe that everytime Bush set foot-to-ground in Texas he completely forgot about the country or his obligations to her citizens.
President Obama and his family will no doubt choose to spend time in Chicago or Hawaii or somewhere else that they find pleasant. Would you want the Obamas to always go to Camp David? I don’t. And I do not for a minute believe that every second President Obama spends being a husband and a father is time he completely forgets about the country and his obligations either.
Why do people that opposed President Bush’s policies hate him so much they begrudge his visits to his ranch to get a little relief from the hideous stress the POTUS faces every day?
I don’t like most of President Obama’s policies or his methods. But I certainly do not think that gives me the right to rant everytime he wants to get away from the WH. In fact, I think it is good for the president to be able to do that. I think it would help the nation to have a less-stressed president.
It is very difficult to understand how people who criticized President Bush for mispronouncing a word, can then complain when someone else dares criticize ANYTHING President Obama does.
Such inability to see one’s faults while condemning the same faults in others is completely beyond my understanding, especially when I find it in otherwise intelligent people.
And if we Americans cannot get past this, our nation will never be whole again. And I think the time is short before we tip so far we won’t be able to recover.
That scares me.
Posted by: malcat | December 23, 2009, 5:26 am 5:26 am
Yep, blacks goes on Vacations! They read also! They have well adjusted children, and we believe in Christmas and God has always been our strength, our pillar..We understands perfectly what GOD is…and he’s not a “fake” God to serve to divide.
And we go to Hawaii, Africa, Chicago, New York, New Oleans, LA and even lives and play on Long Island. We drive the country in motor homes…and we have dogs we love. We are just as anybody else.
Doesn’t Every President and his family leaves the White House by Air Force One and go on Vacation?
Posted by: sara | December 23, 2009, 5:28 am 5:28 am
Good for you, Sara!
Criticizing a mother and daughters for doing a kind deed..repulsive.
Posted by: malcat | December 23, 2009, 5:30 am 5:30 am
Mrs. Obama is doing a very good job with those young girls, who seemingly is unfazed and well-adjusted. Thanks to Granny too, during their transition, she has been there to take up the “slack”. Real family without a silver spoon, uh, “foot”.
Posted by: sara | December 23, 2009, 5:32 am 5:32 am
This gist of these comments are as if This President and his family is Not supposed to be in the White House, on Air Force One, on the White House lawn, on the helicopters, etc. JUST HIM!!!… He WAS ELECTED by the Majority to BE there. DAH.
No, I don’t recall anyone questioning the many rides on Air Force One to Texas. I recall questions about his “watch this shot” on a golf course, while our soldiers were being deplored at that very day and time. I remember questioning the Air Force One ride that had him flying over a Drowned City. I remember the criticism of his using Air Force One to “swoop” on an Aircraft carrier, looking like a fake in flight suit, (dodged the draft)proclaiming Mission Accomplished!
Posted by: sara | December 23, 2009, 5:42 am 5:42 am
Nothing has changed in the past nine years except the name of the President. The opposing side always criticizes whomever is President. And the President’s supporters always cry about the criticism. It is business as usual and it’s all part of the current political climate. It is sad that a President, whether Democratic or Republican, can’t take some time to enjoy and relax with his family without partisanship and discourse.
Posted by: Jylnc | December 23, 2009, 6:14 am 6:14 am
I think it is sad to see the president taking a luxoury vacation in a big house when there are so many Americans and Veterans out of work or just making ends meet.
Posted by: dav1991 | December 23, 2009, 9:08 am 9:08 am
Luxurious vacation?
Obama’s family lives in Hawaii. Barack was born in Hawaii. The Obama’s will be with family in Hawaii.
Gee, No one ever complained about the Bush luxurious vacations after GW out sourced American jobs and leaving Americans without work.
But leave it to a Republican to complain about a democrate president who is just doing what all the other presidents including all the Republican presidents have done.
Posted by: Angie | December 23, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am
“No one ever complained about the Bush luxurious vacations”
Really? No one complained about Bush’s vacations and no one compared Bush to Hitler. Do they just wipe your brains clean after every election?
Okay, that was snarky. I apologize. Merry Christmas but please try to remember the past the way it really was.
Posted by: The Audacity of Copenhagen | December 23, 2009, 10:19 am 10:19 am
I have to say that I find all of the cracking on Presidents for using Air Force One, going to Camp David, or going “home” — whether that be Chicago, Hawaii, a ranch in Texas, Arkansas, California, wherever– ridiculous. Being President is a 24/7 job, and ALL of our presidents have taken the job very seriously and come out of it with the sped up aged appearance to show for it.
It is important for them to clear their heads, to get out of the DC bubble, to spend times with family, to spend time exercising and getting fresh air and alleviating the massive stress and the excruciating decisions thrust upon them.
I NEVER begrudged Bush his time in Crawford. I disagreed vehemently with some of his policy, ideology and decisions, I didn’t vote for him, but as a family man I respected him and his family (I love his wife and daughters)– and I think he honestly believed he was doing the right thing. It wasn’t like he thought doing something else would be better but he was acting nefariously.
Our presidents love our country so much that they take on an impossible job, and do the best they can.
Signs depicting our presidents– any president–as evil dictators are stupid,mean-spirited and show a strain of extremism and true lack of patriotism and understanding. And yes, both Bush and Obama have had that thrown on them. It is shameless, imo.
Politics is a tough game– but governing is a noble job. We do have to keep our leaders accountable and I’m all for sensible and meaningful political activis, but let’s not confuse pettiness and hate with how most people feel. Let’s just, in the spirit of Christmas, give some of the baloney a rest.
Well, I can’t tell anyone else what to do– but its almost Christmas Eve and I can’t believe people aren’t feeling a bit more good will, despite the economy. Remember Whoville, folks :>)
Posted by: progressive mama | December 23, 2009, 10:43 am 10:43 am
IT’S A WASTE OF TIME ARGUING WITH ANY G.O.P/ REPUBLICAN OR CONSERVATIVES BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO BRAINS. THEY ARE SO NARROW MINDED, IDIOTICS AND ABSOLUTE MORONS. AMERICA AND THE WORLD IS BETTER OFF WITHOUT SUCH STUPID PEOPLE.
Posted by: Hannington | December 23, 2009, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
Public health care is going to be great!
From the UK Guardian:
“…All 256 of Hawaii’s public schools will be closed in the first of 17 “furlough Fridays” that will see a drastic cut in school time for up to 171,000 children. The reduction of the school week from five to four days will last for at least the next two years.
“The furloughs are the most draconian measure yet taken in the US, where the recession has forced many states to slash public services. At least 25 states have forced teachers to take unpaid days off, but most of the cuts have fallen on holidays or on preparation days rather than on actual school days.
“Hawaii’s cuts have been particularly punishing because unlike other parts of the US, the entire education budget is paid for by the state which is labouring under a $1bn deficit. Education accounts for about a quarter of the state’s overall resources…”
Posted by: The Audacity of Copenhagen | December 23, 2009, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
I hope the Obama family has a Very Merry Christmas! The kids deserve to go home and be with their family. I’m sure their parents have been very busy.
To all you haters out there, these are just kids. So don’t include them in your sick political opinions. Keep kids and politics separate. They did not ask to be here.
Posted by: justayreal74 | December 23, 2009, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
Enough of the Obamas…now it is beyond sickening, it is disturbing. They are not above it all and the media has covered up anything negative about Michelle Obama and her “patient dumping scandal in Illinois”………
Posted by: Peter King | December 23, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Merry Christmas to all . .. peace on earth, goodwill towards men, women and children.
Posted by: tierra | December 23, 2009, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
Sasha has such a cute smile!
Posted by: phantomniter | December 23, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
whats up.
Posted by: barbara | December 23, 2009, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm
Exploiding the kids to help baracks sinking poll number, nice going michele.
btw, I’m one of the tax payers who paid for your Hawaiian trip, you’re not welcome.
Posted by: Reality2009 | December 24, 2009, 11:51 pm 11:51 pm
Exploiding the kids to help baracks sinking poll number, nice going michele.
btw, I’m one of the tax payers who paid for your Hawaiian trip, you’re not welcome.
Posted by: Reality2009 | December 24, 2009, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm