White House Holiday Card Sparks Differing Comments

The White House has mailed out its 2007 Holiday Card, designed by Hallmark (release). The blogosphere is filled with competing characterizations of it. The Huffington Post on Thursday reproduced the card and quoted Barbara Walters who said the card was the most religious one in recent memory. On the other hand, Wall of Separation on Friday pointed out that, as in past years, the card does not contain the word "Christmas" nor does it contain religious Christian symbolism. The painting on the card of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House does show a lighted Christmas tree inside the White House. The card features a verse from the Prophet Nehemiah, and adds "May the joy of all creation fill your heart this blessed season 2007." The White House website features reproductions of White House holiday cards sent out by a dozen past presidents.