History of White House Christmas Cards

Wouldn’t it be great to receive a greeting card from the White House? I think I’d flip. My husband would have to revive me if that were to happen.

The act of sending greeting cards over the holiday season began with President Coolidge. At that time, people all over the United States had begun the tradition, and it’s still in practice.

President Hoover, in 1930-31, sent greeting cards to friends and family with pictures included! So he was in the Christmas spirit even in office.

 FDR introduced more of a stylized Christmas card in 1937 which was provided by the distinguished Brewood Engravers. The single-sided FDR offering was a small, three by four inch, lithograph of a snow covered farm with two red barns and two green fir trees. The inscription said simply, "Christmas 1937."

In 1942 the Roosevelt’s were seated for a black and white photograph. The greeting read: "With Christmas Greetings and our Best Wishes for a Happier New Year."

The Truman’s had larger and smaller cards.

Throughout the remainder of the Eisenhower years the Presidential Seal was the single stark feature on the front of the cards. "The President and Mrs. Eisenhower extend their best wishes for Christmas and the New Year."

In 1961 President John Kennedy also incorporated the dramatic Presidential Seal for the White House Christmas cards. The card used a smooth white stock with a bold green silk border, and used the words, "Season's Greetings 1961," on the front. Inside the card the president and Mrs. Kennedy extended wishes for a "Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Every president since has added a special twist their greeting, and the tradition continues. A card now from the Kennedy’s would sell on the market for about $11,000.00

My information came from the White House historical site.