WASHINGTON — President Bush's family is leaving today to spend Christmas at Camp David, Md. — its custom since the president's father was vice president. Among Bush family Christmas traditions:
— A Christmas Eve menu of tamales and enchiladas.
— Christmas books displayed on the coffee table.
— Drinking hot chocolate while opening presents Christmas morning.
"....At Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of the birth of Christ, and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. In this great and prosperous land, we have so much to be thankful for, and Christmas reminds us of our obligation to share these blessings with others. There are many among us who are hurting and require a helping hand. In the new year, I hope Americans will look for ways to volunteer your time and talents where they are needed most. By reaching out to a neighbor in need, we make our nation a more just and compassionate place.
This Christmas, we remember our fellow citizens who suffered from the hurricanes and other disasters that struck our nation this past year. We pray for their strength as they continue to recover and rebuild their lives and their communities....."
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A view from the Claiborne Ave. Bridge over the Industrial Canal of the lower Ninth Ward, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005.