Washington, December 03: With Christmas fast approaching, even America’s First Lady has to help out with a few festive tasks.
And on Wednesday, Michelle Obama pitched in to make seasonal decorations and treats after unveiling the newly decorated White House to specially invited guests from military families.
“ It’s Christmas. It’s exciting!” she told the assembled press before helping her younger guests make festive crafts and cards.
The First Lady helped decorate a card and fold magazine pages to make a recycled Christmas tree.
She also munched on a “ delicious” gingerbread cookie as she posed in front of one of the 19 Christmas trees which adorn the White House.
“ This is a very exciting time here at the White House for me and our family,” she said. “ And I have to say the house looks more beautiful than it did last year. It is really something special.” This will be the first family’s second Christmas in the White House which was decorated by 100 volunteers.
“ In the end, that spirit of kindness and generosity is really what the holiday season is all about,” she said. And it was the idea behind this year’s theme, which is ‘ Simple Gifts’, because in the end, the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing,” she added.
“ The time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need.” Michelle, who has made supporting military families an important part of her agenda, called on Americans to donate toys to the annual ‘ Toys for Tots’ drive, run by the Marine Reserves, which donates gifts to needy children.
“ Sounds like people are shopping away out there, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
“ And people should look for these boxes. Go online. We urge you to help make the holidays special for every family in this country. “ This year’s White House features a giant replica of the family’s dog Bo, made out of 40,000 pipe cleaners and a 350 pound gingerbread house.
—-Agencies