CNN

Doesn't it seem a bit too pretentious to display so much lust in times like these? Being frugal should start at the top.

For all the Obama haters out there George Bush will be laughing his way out of the White house at you while he leave you in a recession and your so occupied hating Obama that you can't even see what's ahead of you.....While he's out of the White House you'll be going into the Poor House and it won't be Obama that will put you there it will be your beloved current president George W Bush along

What they should is invite some the local children in whose families can't afford a holiday dinner or presents this year and have a holiday party for them with a dinner and gifts, especially this year.

George Bush should be ashamed of himself. I guess this is the last HURAH before going to the Hague with his Buddies for trial.

The White House does look very nice. However, Christmas should be cut back in general whether or not we are in a recession from year to year. Everywhere else in the world it is celebrated tastefully without a lot of fanfare. This is not done because people can't afford it, it's because it's the respectful thing to do. How about considering a subdued and reflective holiday that includes family, good conversation and some good food. Scale back on everything else and I think people will find they're happier this way.

Wouldn't it be nice if all families had a staff to do all this work for them.
All George and Laura have to do is show up. No planning, no shopping, no cooking, no cleaning up.

I wonder if you will complain as loudly when Mr. Obama spends millions on the inaugural. Let's see the recession talk come alive then!

i'll enjoy my charlie brown christmas tree again this year.

If your lucky enough to get invited?Most of us will be lucky if we even have xmas thanks for the greed of the wealthy and all those responsible that knew we were headed into a recession and did nothing to stop it.So many americans are so depressed about losing their jobs,homes and pride xmas will only be what so many fail to remember it is and that is celebrating the birth of Christ and that is one thing that we will not lose .So while the wealthy are out celebrating at the many parties they'll be attending alot of parents are wondering how they can afford to get their children a toy.I like Mrs. Bush I really do but exuse me for saying this but George Bush is one of the reasons we are in this recession and I hold him if not mainly partially responsible

I guess the White House isn't in the same recession that the rest of the country is. Tradition or not folks, let's set an example. Yea, like that will ever happen.

The Obama's do not celebrate Christmas. I wonder why. What church do they go to?

No, they do not have a large task ahead of them, their staff does.

When the country is going to hell in a hand basket, many families are losing their homes, families unable to feed their families and most of American's are being laid off, it is comforting to know that the white house is cutting back. The idiot can't get back to his village fast enough.

WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!

George has put the country into imminent failure and we're spending all this money on such extreme unnecessary items. USA, USA! We're # 1 !!!!

Must be nice to be soooo wealthy, and be able to decorate, buy any food you like, give any gifts you choose, send out holiday cards..we would dearly love to even have a cookie ! aaaah yes, guess holidays are only for the wealthy now, dont worry bout the children, maybe thier parents, with help of food stamps, will at least be able to give them a christmas dinner..Such excess being "flaunted" in front of millions of people praying just to buy food, meds, pay thier mortages..
DISGRACEFUL

I guess the recession doesn't apply to the festivities of the White House!?! How much does all this cost anyway????

I guess the recession doesn't apply to the festivities of the White House!?! How much does all this cost anyway????

Your tax dollars at work, folks. How much do these shindigs cost us? Shame on the elite for partying on our dime!

...........and guess who pays for this!

President and Mrs. Bush will get into the holiday spirit by hosting 25 receptions, seven holiday dinners, mailing out 1.25 million holiday cards and creating a gingerbread house with more than 475 pounds of gingerbread and white chocolate.

okay I agree they will host the 32 dinners/receptions but that is ALL they will do in this list the rest will be done by hirlings.. not a smear against the bushes (though god knows I hate him and his politics) but against CNN for saying such an inane thing!

I won't go even if I am invited. This man is too close to the devil. So many had to suffer because of his ignorance.

GOOD GRIEF! Maybe someone could tell Bush that the Salvation Army doesn't have enough food for needy this year. Oh, yeah I forgot...like Bush cares...

YAWN! Just stuff my stocking with cash, please.

Uh, couldn't they cut back a little considering the economy?

How about giving some of that to the homeless people right outside their door? Just another way for rich people to pat themselves on the back!

They should cancel all the receptions and parties and donate the money to a charity like Salvation Army. All that excess is fine when our economy is strong, but with people losing their jobs and homes, two wars and the deaths from war.......... why doesn't Bush show a bit of grace and cancel all that excess....... no one needs 27 tress, nor 475 pounds of gingerbread!

Nothing like the Bush's prime example of EXCESS in America...

How wonderful that we (read: taxpayers) can afford to heap all these holiday goodies upon the First Family, White House staff and guests when so many in the country will be doing without.

Seems more than just a little excessive to me.

Wow! It must be wonderful to be in the White House. This is the only job that I can think of that makes a man cry for not getting it.

Gee, and what about the poor and homeless of America? Think any of them will get an invite to sit with George and Laura?