The Obamas Celebrate Christmas 2011 In Hawaii

Dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; gifts, caroling, church, and baby wrangling at Marine Corps Base Hawaii...
President Obama celebrated Christmas with the First Family and a close circle of friends in Hawaii, caroling, opening gifts in the morning, and enjoying Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner at his rental compound on Kailuana Place in the town of Kailua, on Oahu. The most amusing moment of Christmas came as the President held 8-month-old Cooper Wall Wagner for a photo op during a Chritmas dinner mess hall meet n' greet at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The baby stuck his fingers in Mr. Obama's mouth as his parents, Captain Greg Wagner, 25, and Meredith Wagner, 27, looked on, laughing. (Above: The baby in action with the President, in a White House photo)

The President smiled and joked that the baby was thinking "I want some of that big nose.'"

Another baby, Adeline Valentina Hernandez Whitney, remained asleep as the President held her, while First Lady Obama cooed appreciatively.

"She's very excited to meet the president,'' Mr. Obama deadpanned about the one-month-old.

The White House released broad details about the Presidential Christmas.

Christmas Eve...
“After making holiday telephone calls to U.S. service members last night, the President sat down with his family for Christmas Eve dinner," the White House said. The President called ten service members. Mrs. Obama also worked the phone on Christmas Eve, taking questions from kids wanting to know Santa's whereabouts through the NORAD Santa Tracker. (Above: A White House photo of the President making his calls)

Mrs. Obama told one young caller that she and the girls had been praying that the President "would be able to be with us" in Hawaii for Christmas; he'd been trapped in Washington, DC, by the House Republican standoff over the pay roll tax cut extension.

"We were all praying and praying, and asking Santa, and the tooth fairy, and every fairy they could think of," Mrs. Obama said.

Christmas Eve dinner for the First Family typically is steak, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, and pie, according to Mrs. Obama. "We only have steak" on Christmas eve, the First Lady told a a group of young patients during a holiday visit to the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

"Our girls love macaroni and cheese," Mrs. Obama said. "We have pie. Loooots of pie. The President looooves pie."

White House assistant chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass arrived in Hawaii last week with Mrs. Obama, and was reportedly on cooking duty.

The President also played golf at Marine Corps Base Hawaii for almost 5 1/2 hours on Christmas Eve, joined by Kass, his personal aide Marvin Nicholson, Chicago friend Eric Whitaker, and Hawaii friends Greg Orme, Mike Ramos, and Bobby Titcomb. Ramos and Ticomb are boyhood friends, and attended Punahou School with the President. Titcomb, a commercial fisherman, was arrested in April on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute, and it makes headlines anew every time he joins Mr. Obama for golf.

Christmas Day...
The First Family gathered on Christmas morning "around 8 a.m. to open their gifts," the White House said. No gift details were released, but last week President Obama made a shopping run to an Alexandria, VA Best Buy, where he purchased "Just Dance 3" and "The Sims 3 Pets," which he said were for daughters Malia and Sasha. (Above: The First Couple poses with a family)

The Obamas "ate breakfast and sang Christmas carols before departing for church services," the White House said. They arrived at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay Chapel at 11:08 AM local time, clad Aloha casual for the religious observance. The President wore a navy polo shirt and khakis, while the First Lady and Sasha wore sleeveless floral dresses. Malia was in a white dotted swiss dress.

The President and Mrs. Obama returned to the Base at 3:36 PM to greet troops and their families in Anderson Hall, where the President had his run in with the babies. The Obamas had an outfit change from church: The President was dressed casually in khakis and a checked dress shirt with sleeves rolled up; the First Lady wore a yellow-green cardigan, teal camisole and a green patterned skirt.

The First Couple went from table to table, where the troops and their families were enjoying a Christmas dinner that included ham, potatoes, and stuffing. They greeted families, signed autographs, and posed for pictures, wishing all 'Merry Christmas' and 'Mele Kalikimaka,' the Hawaiian version of the salutation. President Obama asked a boy and a girl what they had gotten for Christmas (Legos and dolls, were the answers).

"Feliz Navidad," he said to a Latino family.

In the evening, the First Family celebrated with Christmas Dinner at home, according to the White House. No menu was released, but the White House in 2010 released a Christmas Day dinner menu that read, simply: "Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Pie."

The President arrived in Hawaii on Friday evening with First Dog Bo in tow, exactly a week after Mrs. Obama arrived with their daughters and aides, including Kass. No time was wasted in celebrating the start of the vacation: The President took family and friends out to dinner on Friday night at Morimoto Waikiki. The chic sushi/Asian fusion restaurant in Honolulu is owned by chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known as a star of the TV show Iron Chef/Iron Chef America.

Mrs. Obama, Kass, and the girls last Monday visited M'AO Organic Farms, where they had an aloha-style pizza party, joined by local chef Ed Kenney, who cooked Mrs. Obama's APEC Spouses Luncheon in November.

The President will be in Hawaii through January 1, and has no public events scheduled.

CLICK HERE for all 2011 White House holiday posts. CLICK HERE for all Holiday Photos of the Day.

*Updated

*Photo at top, by Pete Souza/White House was Photo of the Day for the White House website on Dec. 26; inset photo by Pete Souza/White House; others by Getty/AP pool.

President, First Lady Do Proust Questionnaire

Barbra Walters quizzes Obamas on virtue, pet peeves, misconceptions & fantasies: President says he is not "Spock-like;" Mrs. Obama would like to be reincarnated as First Dog Bo...
President Obama and First Lady Obama appear on ABC's 20/20 on Friday night for a special holiday interview with Barbara Walters, conducted in the Green Room of the White House on Dec. 15, before Mrs. Obama left for her Hawaiian vacation. The network has released a transcript of part of the interview: "Walters' questions were drawn from the late-nineteenth century Proust Questionnaire, a series of personality questions made famous by French author Marcel Proust." (Above: With Walters in the Green Room)

The President told Walters that one of the biggest misconceptions about him is that he is "Spock-like," or detached; Mrs. Obama said it's that she feels "trapped" in the role of First Lady. Not so, she said.

Asked when it is appropriate to lie, both Obamas responded that if the truth will hurt someone else's feelings, it is okay to dissemble.

Asked who she'd like to come back as after she dies, Mrs. Obama revealed that she'd like to come back as First Dog Bo--not just a dog, but Bo: "He's got a great life. He's got it good." The President declined to answer. He also declined to answer a question about whether marital fidelity should be required for those holding public office.

Asked their biggest pet peeves about each other, the President said "Oh, I don't have one."

"My list is too long," Mrs. Obama said.

The President identified President Abraham Lincoln and Mohandas Gandhi as his two most admired historical figures; Mrs. Obama chose Coretta Scott King.

The responses "have been lightly edited for brevity," the network noted. The full interview airs at 10:00 PM on ABC stations.

The Presidential Proust Questionnaire

What's the trait you most deplore in yourself, and the trait you most deplore in others?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Laziness. Nothing frustrates me more than when people aren't doing their jobs. The thing actually that I most dislike is cruelty. I can't stand cruel people. And if I see people doing something mean to somebody else, just to make themselves feel important it really gets me mad. But, with myself, since I tend not to be a mean person, you know, if I get lazy, then I get mad at myself.

MICHELLE OBAMA: When people are unwilling to compromise. I just think that particularly in a society with big views, big differences, that, you know, the truth is often somewhere right in the middle. And, a lot of times, we don't want to give up anything. And I don't like it when I see that in myself.

On what occasion do you lie?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Usually, the only time I lie is very personal interactions with family members, who you say, "You look great," and they don't. "Wonderful dress..." Uh, not so much.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Things where the truth would hurt other people.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Right, the things where truth would hurt other people. Not too many big things. I said during the campaign that I'll always tell you what I think, and I will, always tell you where I stand. I'm not perfect, but you'll know what I believe.

MICHELLE OBAMA: I think the same thing. When it would hurt somebody else's feelings. When the truth isn't helpful.

What do you think is the most overrated virtue?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Security. People naturally resist change in our personal lives. ... Malia, actually, was the one who brought it up because she says, 'You know, one of the things that happens is sometimes transitions are hard, and I really enjoy my life, and I like how things are going.' And I said, 'Get in the habit of being able to embrace change, and what's new. Because you don't want to live your life where, you are held back because you've gotten too comfortable, and you are afraid of what might be out there around the corner.'"

MICHELLE OBAMA: I take his [answer]. I agree with him.

What's the biggest misconception about you?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Me being detached, or Spock-like, or very analytical. People who know me know that I am a softie. I mean, stuff can choke me up very easily. The challenge for me is that in this job I think a lot of times the press or how you come off on TV people want you to be very demonstrative in your emotions. And if you're not sort of showing it in a very theatrical way, then somehow it doesn't translate over the screen.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Someone said that there's a perception out there that I feel confined or trapped in some way. To the extent that people have that perception, that couldn't be further from the truth. I feel very blessed in this role.

What three words would you each use to describe the other?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Beautiful, smart and funny.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Smart, sportsman, and father.

Which historical figure do you most admire?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: [Abraham] Lincoln and [Mohandas] Gandhi are the two people, when I think about what they achieved, two very different men. … What I admire most about them is under huge pressure, monumental changes that they brought about but they never lost their moral bearings.

MICHELLE OBAMA: The first person that comes to mind is Coretta Scott King, because I think she's somebody that I actually had a chance to meet as well, so she's more real to me. Understanding the pressures, and the pain, and the ambiguity of the life she must have lived. And coming out on the other end of that, still hopeful and positive, and pushing for more for herself, for her family, for this nation. It's impressive.

What is your biggest peeve about each other?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Oh, I don't have one. My list is too long.

MICHELLE OBAMA: My list is too long.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: When I feel as if the people closest to me are happy and healthy and I'm connected with them, and when I feel as if I'm doing things that are making other people better and happy, then I feel real good. That's when I'm at my peak.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Happiness is family -- the health of family -- just to keep it short. I could go on and on and on, but when my family's good, I'm good.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

MICHELLE OBAMA: I'd be more patient. I think I've gotten more patient over the years. I'm constantly working on just being patient with myself and not letting my expectations get ahead of what's happening now.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I deeply regret not having learned a musical instrument. And I regret not having focused more on Spanish when I was studying it in school. I would love to be able to speak Spanish fluently and play an instrument.

If you were to die and come back as a person as a thing, what would you want it to be?

MICHELLE OBAMA: I would want to be Bo. He's got a great life. He's got it good. Not a dog. But Bo.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: You know, Barbara, I'm going to take a pass on this one.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; photo of Mrs. Obama by Lawrence Jackson/White House. Taken in the Kitchen Garden, the photo is sent to children who write to Mrs. Obama.

Obama Christmas Cards, Sent & Received

President Obama and First Lady Obama sent out White House Christmas cards featuring an image of First Dog Bo in the library, dozing by the fire place. The text on the inside of the card reads “From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season.” It includes a gold Presidential seal and signatures.

Today OFA Deputy Campaign Manager Julianna Smoot sent an e-mail to Obama supporters, asking them to sign a Christmas card for the First Family.

The image features the new First Family portrait, taken on Dec. 11.

"I think we should show Barack and Michelle how many people are standing with them," Smoot wrote. "It may feel like a small gesture, but it's one that becomes very large, very quickly, when hundreds of thousands of people add their names. I just know it's going to mean the world to them."

Smoot's e-mail had the subject heading "For the Obamas."

The full text:

XXXX--

I've known the President and the First Lady for a long time.

I've seen them face some big years before. But the year ahead will be the biggest.

And as we head into 2012, I think we should show Barack and Michelle how many folks are standing with them.

A couple of us on the campaign are putting together a card for everyone to sign with our names and notes, wishing the President and the First Lady well for the year ahead. It may feel like a small gesture, but it's one that becomes very large, very quickly, when hundreds of thousands of people add their names. I just know it's going to mean the world to them.

This is Barack Obama's last campaign. Let's show him and Michelle that we'll be behind them every step of the way next year:

http://my.barackobama.com/Wish-Them-Well

Thank you, and best wishes for a happy new year.

-Julianna

Julianna Smoot
Deputy Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Presidential Christmas Shopping: A Bone & A Bag Of Treats For First Dog Bo

How President Obama spends #40Dollars...
Today's official White House Photo of the Day is an image of President Obama taken on Wednesday afternoon with First Dog Bo, when the duo dropped by a Pet Smart store in Alexandria, VA. The President bought Bo a huge bone, wrapped in a rawhide red ribbon, and a bag of Chew-bacca treats. Total cost: $41 dollars. (Above: surveying the choices)

The White House is currently running a social media campaign, asking Americans what $40 cut from their paychecks means, in an effort to inspire outrage over the US House stonewalling the payroll tax credit.

The President paid with a $50 bill at the checkout counter, where Bo got friendly with a poodle named Cinnamon, a moment also captured by a White House photographer.

"Okay, Bo, don't get too personal here," the President admonished the First Dog.

For the social media campaign, the White House "asked Americans what losing that $40 dollars would mean to them," and soid that "more than 30,000 people across the country submitted responses on WhiteHouse.gov." The campaign is also going on on Twitter, with the hashtag #40Dollars. Here's an infographic the White House created of the responses:






















*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; second by Chuck Kennedy/White House

Holidays At The White House, High Speed

The White House has released this new time lapse video of volunteers decorating the White House for this year's "Shine, Give, Share" decor, which honors the military. There's a quick peek inside the pastry kitchen for a look at the massive holiday cookie production operation; between 15-20,000 cookies were baked for the receptions this year. Curiously, there's not a single image of the President and First Lady, nor of First Dog Bo, nor of the 2011 White House Gingerbread House.

President Obama Visits Del Ray Pizzeria, Christmas Shops With First Dog Bo In Tow

$60 in gourmet pizza pies are comfort food after a Christmas gift jaunt...
Awaiting the end to a Congressional standoff on the payroll tax credit, and all alone in Washington thanks to the fact that his wife and daughters are already on vacation in Hawaii, President Obama on Wednesday afternoon left the White House for a Christmas shopping spree at the Potomac Yards shopping mall in Alexandria, Virginia. He was accompanied by First Dog Bo, who was the recipient of a huge red-ribboned dog bone and a bag of Chew-Bacca dog treats, purchased at Pet Smart. After, at about 1:30, the President dropped in to nearby Del Ray Pizzeria where he greeted excited customers after ordering three thin-crust pizza pies to go--two of which were special orders.

The President's visit was "pretty crazy," Maddie Abram, who does double duty as a server and manager, told Obama Foodorama. The pizzeria had just fifteen minutes advance notice that Mr. Obama would be dropping by. Business continued, with other customers--and the staff--thrilled to see the President, she said.

Del Ray is beloved by locals and is frequently on "best of" lists for its gourmet creations, which use "the freshest ingredients." Abrams said the President ordered one large (14") thin crust "Supreme Clientele" pizza, which has red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, red onions, olives, and mushrooms, and sells for $19.

The President's two other pizzas were special orders: A 14" thin crust pepperoni and sausage pie, and a 14" thin crust pie with green peppers and red onions. Each was $20. The total bill was more than $60 with tax, and the President paid in cash, Abram said.

"We were happy that he came into check us out. It was very exciting," Abram said. "We think it will be a good boost for business." The pizzeria was already packed this afternoon with curious customers.

Outside the pizzeria, his pie mission accomplished, the President worked the crowds that had gathered at the intersection of East Del Ray and Mount Vernon Avenues, plus a fifth cluster of squealing well-wishers a bit further down Del Ray Avenue, pool reported. (Above: Outside the pizzeria)

$40 bucks...and Christmas shopping
The White House on Tuesday launched a social media campaign, asking citizens what they would use $40 dollars for--the amount each American paycheck will go up if the House doesn't pass the payroll tax credit.

President Obama provided a close answer when he dropped by Pet Smart before his pizza stop, where he bought Bo his bone and a bag of treats, for a total expenditure of $41 dollars. (Above: An employee looks on as the President and Bo check out the bone selection at Pet Smart)

The President also bought gifts for daughters Malia and Sasha at the nearby Best Buy--but those far exceeded the $40 limit.

Clad in shirtsleeves, the President held Bo by his leash as he paid with a $50 bill at the Pet Smart checkout counter.

"Okay, Bo, don't get too personal here," the President admonished the First Dog, who was very interested in a chocolate-colored poodle named "Cinnamon," according to pool. (Above: The President, Bo and Cinnamon at the checkout counter)

After a quick stroll, the President entered Best Buy at 1:10 p.m.

"This (stop) for the girls now," he said as he went in.

After a round of handshaking he headed straight to the Wii section, where he bought a "Just Dance" game for his daughters.

"The girls beat me every time on these dance games," President Obama said. "But you'll never get a picture of me (playing) because I get graded F every time."

He also bought a pair of $50 iTunes gift cards and an unidentified game, for a total tab of $194.48.

"Let's see if my credit card still works," The President said at the checkout counter. It did.

After more grip-and-grins outside, the motorcade left at 1:21 p.m. Nine minutes later, the President arrived via side streets at the intersection of East Del Ray and Mount Vernon, to pick up his three pizza pies at the Del Ray Pizzeria. There was sports banter and more handshaking.

Outside, the President worked the crowds on all four corners of the intersection, plus a fifth cluster of squealing well-wishers a bit further down Del Ray Avenue.

The motorcade was rolling at 1:48, and arrived back at the White House at 2:05 p.m.

"POTUS dutifully ignored all efforts by poolers to engage him on the payroll tax imbroglio," pool reported.

Information: Del Ray Pizzeria is located at 2218 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. Phone: 703-549-2999.

*Photos by AP/pool

White House Holiday Photo Of The Day

Thanks to the fact that First Dog Bo is all over the White House holiday decor, he's lately "been a little confused," says First Lady Michelle Obama. No confusion here: Bo is seated in front of a Christmas tree on the North Portico, one of the few places at the White House that doesn't feature a statue of him. There was a truly super-duper Bo statue on the North Portico for Halloween, however.

Bo brings cheer wherever he goes: He joined Mrs. Obama on Monday for a holiday visit to the Children's National Medical Center.

Michelle Obama Visits Children's National Medical Center, Talks First Family Food Traditions

What's for dinner on Christmas Eve? What's the President getting for Christmas?...
First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday paid her third annual holiday visit to the Children's National Medical Center, located high on a hill overlooking Washington, DC. Accompanied by First Dog Bo, Mrs. Obama met with a big group of young patients in the airy atrium lobby, joined by a very trim Santa Claus.

The First Lady gave a spirited reading of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." She wore knee-high brown suede boots and a geometric print jersey top with a wide belt and a gold brooch at the neck over an A-line skirt. Many of the kids, toddlers to teens, wore pajamas as they sat with their parents or nurses; some were in wheelchairs or had IV lines, and will be spending their holidays in the hospital. Bo sat quietly at his mistress' feet the entire time, wearing a red collar with jingle bells.

Mrs. Obama opened the floor to questions, and got plenty of queries about Obama holiday traditions. She explained that the First Family's Christmas Eve dinner takes place in Hawaii because President Obama grew up there, and "that's hometown for us." The entree is usually turkey or steak, she said. That earned multiple exclamations of "ew!" from a little girl in the audience.

"Ew?" Mrs. Obama said, to laughter. "You don't like steak?"

The child explained that her family doesn't eat it.

"Well, we only have steak," Mrs. Obama said. "And our girls love macaroni and cheese. That’s big on the menu. Got to have a little macaroni and cheese."

That got an enthusiastic response from the kids. Macaroni and cheese is also a staple on the First Family's Thanksgiving menu.

"But we have lots of vegetables," Mrs. Obama added. Among the First Family's choices: Spinach, carrots, string beans, and salad, she said.

"Broccoli, that’s our favorite. We have a lot of broccoli."

Mrs. Obama also told the kids that her husband is a pie fanatic, and it's an important part of Christmas Eve dinner.

"We have pie. Loooots of pie. The President looooves pie," Mrs. Obama said, to more laughter. "All kinds of pie."

The First Family's 2010 Christmas Day dinner menu, as released by the White House, read, simply: "Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Pie." No menu was released for Christmas Eve. Pie is also the star of the First Family's Thanksgiving menu: Six kinds are served.

White House holiday parties...
The President and Mrs. Obama are in the midst of a very busy holiday entertaining schedule, and in response to a question about Christmas parties at the White House, she explained what goes on.

"Yes, we have holiday parties," Mrs. Obama said. "We have almost two every day for two weeks. And the President and I are at every holiday party, and we shake almost every hand or take a picture, and we usually do them twice a day."

This started right after the Mrs. Obama unveiled her "Shine, Give, Share" decor scheme on Nov. 30, she said. It will continue until she and her daughters leave for Hawaii late next week. The President and Mrs. Obama stand in the Diplomatic Reception Room during the parties, and they really do greet each guest, and take photos with most.

Still, there were some things Mrs. Obama wouldn't reveal: She declined to tell the kids what she's getting the President for Christmas. (Above: Mrs. Obama holds Bo as he greets a patient)

"We go through this every year," she said, laughing. "I’m not going to say because it’s going to be reported in the paper and it won’t be a surprise...And he’ll read it and say, Oh, that's what you’re getting me."

She admitted that sports gear might be involved, however. The First Lady did tell the kids what she wants as a Christmas gift, when queried about what was on her own list for Santa.

"What I really, really want is for all kids to grow up with the chance to be healthy and happy, and to live a good life, and to get a good education, and to grow up and be anything they want to be. And if every child could have just that simple gift out of life, that would be a wonderful Christmas present for me."

Mrs. Obama got big applause for that. She also revealed that her favorite holiday film is "It's a Wonderful Life," and her favorite holiday book is the one she'd just read aloud.

After the Q & A session, the First Lady led Bo on his leash along the rope line, and he greeted the thrilled kids. Bo's official White House handler, Dale Haney, stood in the background and watched. The First Lady also autographed a couple of kids' casts. (Above: During storytime)

"Yeah, cool," said one boy, Adrian, as he showed off the First Lady's signature in silver sharpie on the black cast on his forearm.

Before meeting the kids, Mrs. Obama toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit, where she met patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses, and other Children’s National staff. She was escorted by two long-time patients, Ashley Reimer, 19 and Romauld Vital, 8. Reimer receives treatment for acute myeloid leukemia; Vital also receives treatment for leukemia through the Oncology Division at Children’s National, according to the hospital.

Mrs. Obama's visit to Children's National continues a tradition started more than sixty years ago by First Lady Bess Truman. On Sunday evening, the First Family attended a star-studded benefit concert for the hospital. (Above: Vital is at Mrs. Obama's left as she arrives with Bo and Santa)

*Photos by Obama Foodorama, except for Bo photo; that's by Chuck Kennedy/White House

White House Holiday Photo Of The Day

Ribbon & Bos in holiday decor...
First Lady Michelle Obama's holiday decor theme is "Shine, Give, Share," to honor military families. Ornaments and statues of First Dog Bo, whom Mrs. Obama calls "the most famous member of the Obama family," are featured throughout the White House. Above, a two-inch tall Bo ornament hangs on a Christmas tree in the Vermeil Room. The fluffy First Dog also stars in the White House Gingerbread House and he's one of the highly popular holiday cookies.

The tiny Bo ornament hangs on one of two Christmas trees in the Vermeil Room that flank a portrait of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. This year, there are thirty live Christmas trees and seven trees made of other materials that fill the White House.

A video of the Bo-stravaganza in the decor scheme:



Click here for all the Holiday Photos of the Day.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

Must-See White House Holiday TV

HGTV will premiere its annual special on the holiday extravaganza at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this Sunday, when White House Christmas 2011 airs at 8:00 PM. Designer Genevieve Gorder takes viewers behind the scenes for a look at how this year's holiday theme, "Shine, Give, Share," was created. Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford discusses the foods being served at the many holiday parties, and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses talks about his white chocolate-covered White House Gingerbread House.

First Dog Bo, who is all over the holiday decor, is also featured. Gorder speaks to dozens of the staff members and volunteers who worked to transform the First Family's home, which will be viewed by about 85,000 visitors over the next several weeks. The special includes the First Family attending the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Check your local listings.

*Photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses On The Record: The 2011 White House Gingerbread House

This year's 400-pound showpiece has working lights, four fully furnished rooms, a replica of the Kitchen Garden, First Dog Bo, and a Christmas forest...
Were he alive today, White House architect James Hoban might be stunned to discover that his most famous building is annually re-created in gingerbread for Christmas at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The tradition became a yearly part of holiday celebrations when Roland Mesnier, who ruled the pastry kitchen for more than a quarter of a century, made houses each Christmas during the Carter Administration. Mesnier's houses became more and more elaborate over the ensuing Presidencies, but his successor, Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, has taken the building project to a whole new level. All five of Yosses' White House Gingerbread Houses have been covered in white chocolate, and the 2011 house is his best and most detailed effort yet.

Every element is edible, with the exception of the working electric lighting that's inside and outside. There are four interior rooms, a model of First Lady Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden and beehive, First Dog Bo, and a forest of Christmas trees. Displayed on a marble-topped console table in the State Dining Room throughout the holiday season, the house is a showstopper that delights children and adults.

Yosses (l) first came to the White House at the invitation of First Lady Laura Bush for the 2006 holiday season. But he built his first Gingerbread House for Christmas 2007; Mesnier came out of retirement specifically to do the 2006 house, Yosses told Obama Foodorama. "What a relief!" Yosses added; the idea of building such a grand project during his debut months was apparently a bit daunting, even for someone who was already an acclaimed pastry chef, hailed for work that was described as "unfailingly elegant, restrained and imaginative."

Each of Yosses' three houses for President Obama and Mrs. Obama have all been the same view of the South Portico because "it got great feedback," Yosses said.

The pastry master references copies of Hoban's original building sketches as he works. The white chocolate architectural details, such as columns, banisters, and rosettes, are poured in special molds, and are historically accurate. Yosses began his culinary career while living in France, and was mentored by Pierre Herme, the nation's premier pastry chef. It was then that he learned the arts of chocolate decor and sugar blowing. (Above: A view of the left side of the house)

Building the White House Gingerbread House takes months, and Assistant Pastry Chef Susie Morrison acts as "general contractor." The gingerbread was baked in late September, in order to allow it to go stale and become hard. It's more than an inch thick, and so hard a band saw is used to cut the walls and roof, Yosses said. The recipe is the same used for the White House Gingerbread Cookies, but on a far larger scale.

The project is a group effort for White House staff that extends beyond the pastry kitchen. The house is assembled in the China Room, a ground-floor room where presidential china is displayed year-round in lit cabinets (the room is currently being used for the holiday tour, and features a Christmas dinner table set with the Clinton State China).

"We have the electricians do the lighting," Yosses said. The working lights inside and out are environmentally friendly, and glow softly. "Plumbers, carpenters, engineers get in on it, too."

The 2011 house weighs about 400 pounds, and is 41 inches wide and 22 inches deep. Its four furnished rooms are two more than were in the 2010 Gingerbread House, which had shadow-box views of the State Dining Room and the East Room. Those rooms are also in the 2011 house, but so are the Green Room and the Red Room, drawing rooms on the State Floor. All are visible through windows covered with clear-sugar panes. (Above: The State Dining Room and Red Room are visible through the window behind Bo, as are working silver floodlights)

"The Social Office wanted us to develop new rooms, so it was more like a Christmas doll house," Yosses explained.

The 2009 Gingerbread House had only the State Dining Room visible as a shadow box. This year, the interior furnishings, including sofas, tables, and paintings, are made of white and dark chocolate, with marzipan and food coloring for accents. The details are "very time consuming," Yosses said.

"It takes a lot of patience to get shape and proportion right."

Bo is depicted in many incarnations in the 2011 holiday decor, thanks to the fact that "he's the most famous member of the Obama family," according to the First Lady, who selected "Shine, Give, Share," as her theme, designed to honor military families. Yosses dubbed his 2010 marzipan and gum paste rendition of the First Dog "Bozilla" because he was oversized; his head went up to the second story of the house. This year's Bo is Bozilla on steroids: He's even larger, and would be about the size of a Chevy Yukon if he was real.

"If Bo looks a little fluffier, it's because we used royal icing, so he can be shaped more precisely," Yosses said.

Bo is indeed fluffier. In 2009, Bo was far smaller, but his larger-than-life depiction is a metaphor for his importance to the Obama household, Yosses said last year.

The Kitchen Garden and the beehive...
The model of the Kitchen Garden, created with marzipan, sugar and gum paste, shows the South Lawn garden in winter. The beds are in chocolate powder dirt, and are covered with sheets of pastry to replicate the protective hoop houses that cover the real garden so it can grow vegetables year-round. Two other boxed beds, made of chocolate, are "dormant" for the season, and covered with "straw." There's a line of winter lettuces visible, as well as the composter that sits beside the garden. (Above: The garden and the beehive)

Tiny shovels sit in the chocolate dirt, and dark chocolate squares are used for the slate stepping stones in the real garden. The White House beehive has also been replicated.

Yosses routinely uses honey from the beehive for his many desserts. The hive is the first to ever be on the White House grounds, and is depicted complete with tiny bees. The yellow line on the candy beehive is actually a strap that's on the real beehive. It's designed to keep the hive in place so it doesn't blow over when President Obama arrives on the South Lawn in his helicopter, Marine One. (Above: The bees are visible on the beehive)

About thirty pounds of honey was used to make the Gingerbread House, as it was in 2009 and 2010.

The Christmas forest...
The forest of four Christmas trees on each side of the house is a new addition for 2011. The cone-shaped trees are made with white and dark chocolate macaroons and marzipan, as well as molded fruit, and wrapped with sparkling ribbons and dusted with silvery sugar powder.

"Bushes" along each side of the house are created with real Magnolia flowers. These are taken from South Lawn bushes planted from President Andrew Jackson's Magnolia tree that still stands on the White House grounds. Each is dipped in green chocolate, and embellished with red chocolate "flowers." (Above: The Christmas trees and Magnolia bushes on the right side of the house)

While the house is made of edible materials, it is not intended to actually be eaten. All the same, each year, architectural elements have gone missing, Yosses said, either eaten or taken by tour guests as "souvenirs."

"We notice sometimes a few pieces missing like parapets and windowsills and pediments, so we make extras and they can be replaced right away," Yosses said.

More than 85,000 visitors will tour the White House during the holiday season. A few thousand more will attend between 15-18 open houses and receptions that the President and Mrs. Obama will host.

Not the heaviest White House Gingerbread House...
At 400 pounds, the 2011 house is not the heaviest Yosses has created, he said: The open interior spaces for the four rooms reduces the weight. Yosses' heaviest house was built in 2008 for the last Christmas of the Bush presidency; the whopping 475 pounder, for "A Red, White and Blue Christmas," was 350 pounds of gingerbread and 125 pounds of white chocolate. The Bush family pets were in a rooftop sleigh, and an Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, all edible, marched in front. Mrs. Bush dubbed the house "unbelievable" and "beautiful." (Above: A view of the house from the right side)

The White House Gingerbread House is usually sent to the White House Visitors Center after the holidays, where it is put on display so more people can see it. But this year, there's another exhibit, and the final destination for the masterpiece is still undecided. (Above: Yosses, Morrison, and pastry chef Chris Philips assembling last year's house in the China Room)

A video of the 2009 White House Gingerbread House being built:



Yosses, the cookbook author...
Last summer, Yosses published "The Perfect Finish," a collection of recipes from his vast personal repertoire. Co-authored with Melissa Clark, it's loaded with delicious creations that are accompanied by detailed instructions and beautiful photos, and makes a terrific holiday gift. It was the first cookbook published by any White House chef while "still in office." Before he began at the White House, Yosses also published "Desserts for Dummies." Despite its title, it's a very good book, too.

The 2010 White House Gingerbread House:

Check the sidebar of the blog under "Dessert Recipes" for all of Yosses' White House creations that have been publicly released.

The 2009 White House Gingerbread House:

*With additional reporting by Marian Burros.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama. China Room photo from HGTV.

White House Holiday Photo Of The Day

The tiniest Bo with the Clinton State China...
First Dog Bo, hailed by First Lady Michelle Obama as "the most famous member of the Obama family," stars in this year's holiday decor. Figurines of the shaggy Portuguese Water Dog, large and tiny, are in almost every room of the White House. In these photos, a teeny Bo sits beside wine glasses on a dinner table in the China Room, set for the holidays. "It's a where's Bo?" game, said Mrs. Obama, a subtheme of "Shine, Give, Share," which honors military families.

The China Room, on the ground floor of the White House, has a table set for eight with the Clinton State Dinner service atop white lace place mats. Gold candlesticks and low gold candle holders decorate the table. The floral arrangements, in gold "baskets," are red and mauve roses with seasonal greens. (Above: A long view of the room)

One of the 30 natural Christmas trees that fill the White House is in a corner of the room. First Lady Edith Wilson created the China Room in 1917 to display the White House china collection. The red theme in the room matches the red dress worn by First Lady Grace Coolidge in the full-length portrait that hangs on the wall. Mrs. Coolidge is with her dog, Rob Roy, who was not quite as famous as Bo.

Figures of Bo have also been created from trashbags, felt, black licorice and marshmallows, buttons, and pom poms for the holiday decor. In the White House video below, Bo meets his many matches as floral designer Heather Cooper explains how the decorations were made.


*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

Behind The Scenes: White House Pastry Shop Goes Into Overdrive For Holiday Cookie Operation

The President and First Lady will entertain thousands of guests for holiday parties, and the pastry chefs hand-decorate every cookie...
In the next three weeks, the President Obama and First Lady Obama will welcome thousands of guests for afternoon and evening holiday receptions. Lucky recipients of the coveted invitations will be treated to all kinds of delights from the White House kitchen, but few are more labor intensive--or ephemeral--than the holiday cookies that will be served. Thousands of the decorated delights--shaped like First Dog Bo, Christmas trees, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, snowflakes, candy canes--are each hand-made in the White House pastry shop. It has become a high-volume production operation, a sugar-drenched version of Santa's workshop, where cookies stand in for toys. (Above: Mrs. Obama decorated cookies with her first holiday guests on Wednesday, children from military families, joined by Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, left, and assistant pastry chef Susie Morrison)

"We'll be baking between fifteen and twenty thousand cookies," Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses told Obama Foodorama.

Cookie operation started in early Fall...
The pastry shop is located in a relatively tiny space on the ground floor of the White House, where space is tight and work surfaces limited. The chefs started making the sweet dough three months ago, and it was frozen in anticipation of December's cookie mania, Yosses said. All the same, those in the sugar shop are working very long hours throughout the holiday season. The cookie dough is defrosted on a daily basis, then cut into shapes. Tray after tray is loaded into the ovens and baked. (Above: A tiered serving tree of holiday cookies)

After cooling, each cookie is then hand-decorated with icing and sparkling sugar. There's no getting around the intense individual labor each cookie requires, to put on the base-coat of colored sugar, and different colored accents. Some cookies are more labor intensive than others: The cookie shaped like Rudolph has four colors. There's brown sparkle for the body, and white and black accents for antlers, hooves, and face. The red nose contains little flecks of sparkle, and each cookie also wears a red collar with white dots. Even for pros used to wielding pastry bags, it's a ton of effort for treats that literally vanish in seconds. (Above: The complicated Rudolph cookie is visible on this cookie platter, as are Bo cookies, snowflakes, holly leaves, and chocolate chunk cookies)

Guests tend to eat multiple cookies--as well as, er, pocket them--so the pressure is on to bake enough each day so the serving platters are kept filled.

Bo cookies are the most popular...
Bo, said Mrs. Obama this week, is "the most famous member of the Obama family." The Bo-shaped holiday cookie, decorated with a little red collar with a holly leaf, is the most popular with guests. There are also cookies shaped like bees in honor of the first-ever White House beehive, which sits on the South Lawn beside Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden. (Above: Bo and bee cookies)

"Everyone loves Bo," said Yosses.

Images of the First Dog are featured throughout the White House decor, which has the theme of "Shine, Give, Share" in honor of military families.

Recipes...
The recipe for the holiday cookies, also used for the White House Halloween cookies, is here. Chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, and Gingerbread cookies will also be served to guests. The Gingerbread recipe is here; it can also be used to make ornaments. It's the same recipe used for the walls and roof of Yosses' spectacular White House Gingerbread House. Special cookies will be cut when the President and Mrs. Obama host their annual Hanukkah reception. (Above: A member of the Residence staff at a cookie station in the Grand Foyer; hot apple cider was also being served)

Regional foods spotlighted in buffets...
The President and Mrs. Obama will host about 17 receptions and open houses before departing for a vacation in Hawaii on December 17th, an aide said. Guests will also be treated to a big selection of foods that spotlight regional American cuisine, according to Executive Chef Cris Comerford.

These will be offered at laden buffet stations, and among other specialties will include smoked salmon; tiny lamb chops; sliced roast beef; plenty of roasted vegetables; tiny new potatoes and sweet potatoes; shrimp cocktail (more than 2,000 pounds of Gulf seafood was ordered to be served during last year's holiday season); artisan cheeses, and other holiday baked goods, such as lemon cake, chocolate cake, and Holiday Apple Cake with Maple Glaze. The recipe is here.

Click here to download the 2011 White House Holiday Tour Book for information on the decorations in each room. It also contains a recipe for a holiday pumpkin cake, and instructions for how to build the kind of paper Christmas tree that sits in the East Garden Room. (Above: A platter of holiday cookies)

Check the sidebar for more White House recipes.

CLICK HERE for all 2011 White House holiday posts. CLICK HERE for all Holiday Photos of the Day.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama