Presidential Holiday Parties Throughout History

Violin and Mince Meat Pies

When Thomas Jefferson became President, he made sure that the holidays were joyous times filled with family and fun. He was a widower at the time, so Secretary of State James Madison’s wife, Dolly, acted as the official hostess. All of Jefferson’s grandchildren came as well as 100 guests, and they danced while Jefferson played the violin. For dinner, they enjoyed his favorite: mince meat pies.

The confidence he had in his violin skills must have been sky high to perform for kids who are usually very critical of things, especially music. And for the record, how many of you enjoy mincemeat pies as well?

That’s Not Kosher

This wouldn’t be the first time former President George Bush dropped the ball publicly. Let’s not even think about how many times he has done it behind closed doors. Rule number one is to know your guests.

President Bush held large parties for members of the Jewish faith each year that he lived in the White House. He expanded the guest list from previous years and actually started the tradition of cleaning the kitchen and all of its utensils to make them kosher after an embarrassing incident in 2004 when non-kosher foods were mixed up with kosher ones. Oops!