[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[December 24, 2000]
[Page 2781]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Christmas Greeting to the Nation
December 24, 2000

    The President. On this holiest of holidays, Hillary and I would like 
to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Tonight we gather with family 
and friends to reflect on our good fortune, rejoice in the memories of 
the year past, and look forward with hope to the days ahead.
    And we give thanks to America's men and women in uniform, who are 
spending this holiday protecting freedom around the world.
    The First Lady. And we also 
remember those who are too often left behind, because Christmas isn't 
just about getting gifts; it's about the miracle of giving them. As we 
enjoy our last Christmas in the White House, the President, Chelsea, and 
I are profoundly grateful for the gift you've given our family, the 
privilege of serving your family these last 8 years.
    The President. So from our family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy 
New Year, and God bless you all.

 Note: The greeting was videotaped at approximately 4 p.m. in the Map 
Room on December 19 for later broadcast, and the transcript was made 
available by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 22 but was 
embargoed for release until 12:01 a.m., December 24. These remarks were 
also made available on the White House Press Office Actuality Line.