[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 52 (Monday, December 28, 1998)]
[Page 2526]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Christmas Greeting to the Nation

December 23, 1998

    The President. On this joyous occasion, Hillary and I would like to 
wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. As we gather around our 
Christmas trees and dinner tables, let's take the time to give thanks 
for the blessings of the year just passed, to rejoice in our children, 
to enjoy the company of family and friends.
    As we approach the feast of light, I'd like also to send a special 
greeting to all the brave men and women in uniform who are serving our 
country in lands far from home. You're in our hearts and our prayers. On 
behalf of all Americans, I thank you for the greatest gift of the 
season, for protecting our Nation and safeguarding the freedom we all 
hold dear.
    The First Lady. Christmas reminds us that the values we share far 
outweigh whatever the differences there are between us. The twinkle of a 
child's eye, the joy of a grandmother's laughter, the love in the hearts 
of mothers and fathers for their children, all these blessings should be 
unwrapped on Christmas morning.
    The President. May the spirit of the season be with you today and 
throughout the year. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy 
New Year, and God bless you all.

Note: The greeting was videotaped at approximately 11:30 a.m. on 
December 7 in the Diplomatic Reception Room for later broadcast, and the 
transcript was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 
23.