A White House Christmas

I had the privilege of visiting the White House this past Wednesday. My office had organized a tour, and I use the word "tour" loosely. Basically you're let into the house (after multiple security checkpoints), you walk through some of the public rooms on your own, and then you leave. There are Secret Service agents stationed in each room to answer questions in addition to watching everyone like hawks.

I had been to the White House once before when I was an intern in the summer of 2001. Those were innocent days and the rules were a little more relaxed. I think we actually got a guided tour that time. But I had never seen the White House all decked out for Christmas, and I was really excited about that. Unfortunately they do not allow cameras inside the house, so I couldn't document my visit like I wanted to. (The White House website has a brief behind-the-scenes video about their Christmas decorations.) The only proof I have is this little souvenir booklet:

There weren't any actual photographs in the booklet, but it did contain some nice drawings that depicted some of the themes.

And there were some recipes from the White House kitchen! You know I'll be making this apple cake...

I'm so fortunate that I had this great opportunity. Merry Christmas to everyone! I'll be seeing some of you very soon. :)