Full Breakdown
Holiday Celebrations Among Cabinet Secretaries and Their Families
12/24/2025, 9:17:46 PM
Overview of Holiday Traditions
During the holiday season, Washington, D.C., becomes a hub of festive activities, particularly among government officials and their families. The White House has a long-standing tradition of hosting holiday celebrations, dating back to 1800 when President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams held gatherings for government officials. Today, these events continue, with notable participation from Cabinet secretaries and their families.
Key Figures and Events
In December, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent were among those who attended the White House Congressional Ball, an event hosted by First Lady Melania Trump for members of Congress. President Donald Trump acknowledged the presence of various Cabinet members, although he chose not to name all attendees, citing the audience's political leanings. Additionally, Jen Hegseth, wife of a government official, hosted a Christmas Tea Party for Gold Star families at the Pentagon, highlighting the season's spirit of remembrance and gratitude.
Family Traditions and Celebrations
Cabinet secretaries and their families also engage in personal holiday traditions. For instance, Jeanette Rubio, spouse of Secretary Marco Rubio, emphasized the importance of attending midnight Mass as a family, stating, "We celebrate it together, because we want to keep what the purpose of Christmas is." Similarly, Allison Lutnick, married to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, shared her family's tradition of lighting Hanukkah candles, reflecting their Jewish heritage.
Other families have unique customs as well. Kathryn Burgum, wife of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, mentioned their tradition of making lefse, a Norwegian flatbread, during Christmas. Cheryl Hines, married to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., described their family's holiday talent show, which fosters a fun and lively atmosphere. Lisa Collins, spouse of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, highlighted their practice of collecting Christmas ornaments over 37 years, which serves as a nostalgic reminder of their journey together.
Official Statements and Responses
The White House has actively promoted these holiday traditions through various media, including a video showcasing how Cabinet secretaries and their families celebrate. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and shared values among government officials during the festive season.
Criticism and Opposition
While the holiday celebrations are generally well-received, some critics argue that the focus on personal traditions may overshadow the more significant issues facing the nation. They contend that government officials should prioritize their public duties over personal festivities, especially during challenging times.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We, as a family, we go to midnight Mass, that’s something that’s very important to us." — Jeanette Rubio, Wife of Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- "Our favorite holiday tradition is making lefse." — Kathryn Burgum, Wife of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum
- "We always have a really good time together." — Cheryl Hines, Wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- "We have a special tree for those places, and they’re all dated as a remembrance of where we’ve been." — Lisa Collins, Wife of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins
These holiday celebrations among Cabinet secretaries and their families reflect a blend of personal traditions and official duties, showcasing the diverse cultural backgrounds and values present within the U.S. government.
