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President Barack Obama and first lady send out holiday cards marked 'Season's Greetings'


Chicago Tribune


WASHINGTON - -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have chosen an elegant greeting card that announces to recipients: "Season's Greetings."

"May your family have a joyous holiday season and a new year blessed with hope and happiness," the card reads.

The cover, which is cream-colored with a thin maroon border, depicts a gold wreath encircling a gold presidential coat of arms.

The tradition of presidents sending Christmas cards dates to Dwight Eisenhower in 1953.

The Obamas' selection, though, makes no mention of "Christmas." Nor does it feature a biblical passage (as favored by George W. and Laura Bush) or an artistic rendering of a room in the White House (often the case under Bill and Hillary Clinton).

The cards are being paid for by the Democratic National Committee, where a spokesman Tuesday did not respond to questions about how many were being sent or the cost.