The White House Christmas Party

December 15, 2009

The annual White House Christmas serves as a veritable who's who of the Washington elite, and reporters usually relish the opportunity to rub elbows with the people that make the news, according to politico.com.

"I think every president grouses about hosting a party for the meanies in the press," former Clinton White House press secretary Mike McCurry told the website. "But I also think they get a chuckle out of watching the reporters fall all over themselves to get pictures in the receiving line."

The yearly Christmas party definitely qualifies as something to write home (or articles) about. The rooms of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are always decked out for the holidays.

The day after Thanksgiving, the official White House Christmas tree arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, according to MSNBC.com.

The 12-foot-wide tree was set up and decorated in the Blue Room of the White House. The Douglas fir, which stands at an impressive 18 and a half feet, is sure to be the center of attention at White House Christmas parties.

During the annual season parties, guests can enjoy treats and mingle among the beautifully decorated rooms.