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President Roosevelt describes the family’s “ideal” Christmas celebrations to his sister, Corinne Roosevelt Robinson. He asks Robinson to find out how her son, Monroe Douglas Robinson, could bear being seen with Roosevelt’s son, Ted Roosevelt, when Ted was wearing “such as cap as he seems to have carried.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-26
President Roosevelt tells William Sturgis Bigelow the book is the “most interesting present I have received.” Roosevelt especially enjoyed the night photographs of the lions. The president also remarks, “Banzai! How the fur will fly when Nogi joins Ōyama!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-07
William Sturgis Bigelow has just sent President Roosevelt a book of animal photography on the “chance of your stocking being still up.” In a postscript, Bigelow mentions press coverage of the Russo-Japanese war, and that Europe has been asking Roosevelt to mediate between the powers, and comments that he feels like the Japanese will end the war themselves soon enough through victory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-03
Newspaper clipping of a cartoon showing the Norwegian Parliament dressed as Santa Claus delivering the Nobel Peace Prize in a Christmas stocking to Theodore Roosevelt in a child’s body; with “big stick,” sword, and rifle in the background.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1906-1907
President Roosevelt opens his Christmas stocking to find “Hanna’s resignation as chairman of the National Republican Committee.” He says, “Well, what do you think of that?” Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna stands in the background dressed like Santa Claus and says, “Such ingratitude! Merry Christmas!” Caption: Mr. Roosevelt: “It’s funny, but a fellow always gets something for Christmas that he doesn’t want.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-25
President Roosevelt is dressed as Santa Claus and puts “liar” Christmas cards into the “editors stockings.”
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed extraordinarily friendly relations with the press, or, specifically, with reporters. Newspapers, owners, and many editors dissented from Roosevelt’s policies, but many reporters from such papers enjoyed access to the White House and friendly relations with the president. In the days before regular press conferences and formal press briefings, it was probably Roosevelt who began the tradition of meeting with reporters or groups of reporters, sharing background information, and answering many questions. As a ground rule, reporters were required to respect Roosevelt when he asked not to be quoted directly; and they would be barred afterward if they violated trust.
President Roosevelt details a pleasant, busy Christmas Day spent with many family members and friends.
1907-12-25