Christmas at the White House & Reflections from America's First Ladies - Tapa dura

It is interesting to look at these books and see how trends have and have not changed over the last four decades. The strength of this book are the pictures. Because there is a lack of pictures from the Kennedy's and other presidential administrations, this book lacks some of the intrigue it could have.
Having said that, the pictures that it does have are facinating. To see how the trends have continued and changed over the years is a reflection not only of the administration but of the United States over time.

Rebecca Pausely
NetGalley

It was quite interesting reading and looking at the old pictures of past presidents and their families during the holiday season.4/5 stars
Misty Hazard
NetGalley

The White House: it is both the most recognized home in the United States and, in some ways, the most mysterious. At the forefront of American history for so many years, the mansion is infused with generations of holiday traditions, but the number of people who actually get to glimpse the December White House in all its decorative glory is very small.
Jennifer B. Pickens visited the White House for the first time in 2004. She was so impressed with First Lady Laura Bush's "A Season of Merriment and Melody" theme that Pickens wanted to share the joyous experience with her friends and family. She was disappointed to discover that no book had been written about Christmas at the White House and decided to remedy the gap. The result is a collection of charming photographs and detailed descriptions of the efforts of nine recent First Ladies to make the White House festive and enchanted during the holiday season. Pickens also includes excerpts from the First Ladies' own reflections.
Pickens' descriptions of the decorations, along with the work that goes into them, are thorough and enjoyable. Not only does she show talent at choosing words and phrases, but she also includes a host of fascinating facts about things like the weight of the traditional gingerbread house, for example. Charmingly, she manages to show glimpses of the presidents and their families as they celebrate: a playful picture of Nancy Reagan sitting on Santa's lap (who happens to be President Reagan), and a picture of George W. Bush decorating a cookie.
This delightful collection of essays and photographs is refreshingly apolitical. Pickens only seems to be concerned with enchantment and beauty, which is evident in a paragraph about Christmas in President Nixon's White House: "The vibrant decor contrasted with the dark mood of the political scene, where events were unfolding that would lead to the President's resignation in the coming year. Yet the First Lady found comfort in a bird's nest that s