    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 23, 1996]
    [Page 2232]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Christmas Greeting to the Nation
    December 23, 1996

        The President. Hillary and I wish all of you the peace and joy of
    the holiday season, a time for us to rejoice in each other's company and
    in the spirit of the season, a spirit of sharing and giving and making
    peace.
        I want to send a special greeting to all the peacemakers among us,
    especially to our brave men and women in uniform who are away from home.
    You're on a mission of peace. I join with all Americans to thank you for
    your service and to pray for your safe return.
        The First Lady. Christmas is an opportunity for all of us to give
    thanks for the blessings we share as families, friends, and Americans.
    But most important, it is a time for children, and I hope that during
    this holiday season we will remember our Nation's neediest children and
    extend the spirit of giving to them with our love, our prayers, and our
    generosity.
        The President. May the spirit of Christmas and the magic of the
    wonderful season be with you and your loved ones throughout the holidays
    and in the new year to come. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God
    bless you all.

    Note: The greeting was videotaped at 11 a.m. on December 9 in the
    Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House for later broadcast, and it
    was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 23.