News/Commentary

Jill Biden unveils White House Christmas decorations, and something is noticeably missing

November 28, 2023 | | Print Article

First Lady Jill Biden unveiled this year’s White House Christmas decorations with flying reindeer and a miniature gingerbread replica of the building but one thing was noticeably missing.

When Santa pays his visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, he won’t find the Biden grandkids’ stockings hung by the chimney with care, for the first Yuletide since the family has lived there, the traditional six colorful socks will be displayed out of sight and better yet, out of mind.

The absence of the stockings may not be entirely coincidental, considering they have been vanquished in the same year that the proud granddad was forced to belatedly acknowledge the existence of Hunter Biden’s born-out-of-wedlock lovechild, five-year-old Navy Joan Roberts.

Little Navy Joan had been excluded from the previous year’s stocking lineup with her six fellow Biden grandchildren – although the family pets were included – an omission that drew criticism and suggestions that the geriatric leader was insensitive, so out of sight, out of mind seems to be the way to avoid the issue entirely.

“A White House spokesperson explained the change by saying that the Bidens plan to spend the holiday at Camp David and will hang the stockings by the chimney with care there instead,” according to the New York Post.

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It is unknown whether Navy Joan’s stocking will be hanging by the chimney at Camp David, the White House “did not immediately respond to an inquiry” from the outlet.

“For this year’s holidays at the White House, our theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the season,” Jill Biden wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.

“We have Santa’s magical sleigh suspended in the air in the Grand Foyer, a working train running around the Official White House Christmas Tree, and a Gingerbread White House that celebrates the 200th Anniversary of a childhood favorite, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas!” Added the FLOTUS.

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X users had an ample supply of lumps of coal for the stockings of Mr. and Mrs. Biden.

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“Nearly 15,000 feet of ribbon, more than 350 candles and over 22,000 bells were used for the decorations, the White House said. More than 142,425 lights twinkle on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays,” CBS News reported. “Seventy-two wreaths sporting red ribbons adorn the north and south exteriors of the White House.”

(Video: YouTube/Fox 5 Washington DC)

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“I don’t know how you feel, but I feel it’s just breathtaking,” Mrs. Biden gushed at an event to unveil the decorations. “The holidays offer a time for reflection and a break from our hurried lives, a season to be fully present with our friends and our families.”

“Children have something to teach us, if we are wise enough to listen,” she said. “How to remain present, even as a busy world beckons us. How to open ourselves up to love and wonder and to marvel at every moment, no matter how ordinary.”

Chris Donaldson
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