The President and his family, enjoying a 17-day vacation in Hawaii, did not attend Church on Christmas Day. Ironically, President Obama recently asked all Christians to remember the religious aspects of Christmas and not to exaggerate the commercial.
On December 15th, at the 32nd “Christmas in Washington” gala, President Obama shared the evening with celebrities Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow, and Janelle Monae and said, “Every year, we mark the holiday season with Celebration and good cheer…But, this is also a time to remember the story of a child born to two faithful travelers on a holy, night long ago.” Obama asked that we not forsake Jesus as we open our presents.
Until late afternoon on Christmas Eve, Obama dedicated his day playing golf on one of the myriad golf courses in Hawaii. While Obama played golf, First Lady Michelle spoke with children on the phone for 30 minutes about Santa’s whereabouts.
On Christmas morning, the Obama family, “gathered around to open up their Christmas gifts and sing carols,” according to the pool report. Later in the afternoon, the president spent two hours with about 580 troops and their families at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, otherwise known as “Chow Hall.”