Show white house maintains traditions years old washington santa claus makes his visit to the white house this christmas carrying on a tradition started december 25 1800 when kris kringle called on little suzannah granddaughter of president john adams from massachusetts I 1 the white house in those days was in an unfinished state and the great barn barri like rooms were only scantily furnished providing a great contrast to the beautifully appointed mansion of today yet the same joyous spirit prevailed on that christmas morning more than a century and a quarter ago as that found in the white house this yuletide from early years of our country presidents have sef aside the heavy burden of state and made merry christmas day with their families |