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Statement by Press Secretary Sally McDonough
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For Immediate Release Office of the First Lady December 3, 2008

Statement by Press Secretary Sally McDonough



Today, Mrs. Laura Bush announced the 2008 White House holiday theme: "A
Red, White and Blue Christmas."

In celebration of the patriotic spirit that unites us as Americans, the
holiday decorations include two 13-foot tall statues of Uncle Sam welcoming
visitors to the East Foyer; an antique sleigh carrying a patriotic Santa,
toys, and red, white, and blue wrapped packages; and the Gingerbread White
House featuring miniature replicas of the Bush family pets along with
cookies fashioned after the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

The official White House Christmas Tree, an 18 « -foot Fraser fir from
River Ridge Tree Farms in Crumpler, North Carolina, is adorned with
ornaments representing the patriotic spirit of our nation's states,
districts, and territories.

This year, President and Mrs. Bush will welcome more than 60,000 visitors
to the White House to tour the holiday decorations. Tour requests can be
submitted through Members of Congress. Each guest visiting the White House
will receive the Holiday Tour Booklet illustrated by Peter Catalanotto of
Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

For more information, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2008.

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