T
he First Family left for Hawai'i this morning, following the historic Christmas Eve vote in the Senate for the passage of the health care bill--perhaps the only thing President Obama wanted for Christmas this year. The Tropical Winter White House is the same house the Obamas rented last year, in the town of Kailua, which is located on the island of Oahu's windward side (video of the compound, below). The Obamas are leaving behind a cold and still snow-covered DC, after a long public holiday season that included 28 different holiday parties and open houses at the White House.
On board Air Force One, deputy press secretary Bill Burton advised media that the temperature today on Oahu is 81 degrees, and that the First Family will be "participating in outdoor activities" during their vacation. When pressed, Burton went on the record about the Obama Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: I don't know specifically what's on their agenda this year. They obviously have dinner together and there's exchanging of presents. They'll enjoy some of the same traditions that they've enjoyed over the past years when they go to Hawaii. They see some of their friends. There will be some friends from Chicago who come, like the Nesbitts and the Whitakers. And I think he'll just try to enjoy Christmas the way his family has traditionally enjoyed it. This is an opportunity for the President to recharge his batteries, knowing that as President you never really get to power off all the way.
A run for the delish island treat, Snowbama cones? Body surfing? Work outs at Marine Corps Base Hawaii? We'll see. (Above: The Hawai'i ornament on the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room)
A recap, in case you missed any coverage of the White House holiday fun:
*Posts about the fabulous White House Gingerbread House created by Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and his team are here and here, with video.
*Chef Yosses' recipe for Gingerbread Cake is here, and the recipe for Holiday Honey Cupcakes is here.
*A photo tour of foods served at White House Holiday Receptions is here, with links to posts about many of the White House holiday parties.
*The White House Holiday Decorations are here.
For a look at the Tropical Winter White House on Oahu, check out this video, via Politico:
*Ornament photo by Chuck Kennedy/White House
