White House Holiday Card Is “Stubbornly Secular”

“The most depressing White House Christmas card of all time.”  That’s what American Thinker said about the Obama family’s 2013 holiday greeting.

Huffington Post called it “stubbornly secular.”

And indeed, the card fails to mention God or Jesus, or anything vaguely religious.  There’s no Christmas tree or wreath or holly.  In fact, it doesn’t mention WHAT, exactly, we’re celebrating with this card.  The card reads simply,

“As we gather around this season, may the warmth and joy of the holidays fill your home.”

The only prominent feature is the inclusion of the Obamas’ two dogs, Bo and Whatever-the-New-One-Is-Called.

I understand the critics’ chagrin:  I choose to send religious cards at the holidays because…well, that’s what Christmas is about.  And apart from the lack of meaning in the White House card, I don’t like the white-on-white-on-white theme, like the White House in a snow storm.

I do, though, have to note that I’m pleased the card was designed and produced in Michigan.  Graphic artist Chris Hankinson of Hilltop Studios in Grand Rapids designed the card, according to White House specifications.    Champion Die of Comstock Park, near Grand Rapids, made the die for the pop-up White House.  And Admore Inc. of Macomb actually manufactured the cards.

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This is not the first time that the Obamas made the family pet the focal point of their holiday celebration.  I wrote about it in 2011, when the White House was decorated in a “Bo” theme, with cookies and ornaments and decorations all bearing images of a Portuguese Water Dog.

I don’t mean to be negative, but, you know…. Jesus?