'Simple Gifts' is Christmas theme at White House

WASHINGTON — Bo's pawprints are all over Christmas at the White House this year.

A larger-than-life version of President Barack Obama's dog, made of 40,000 twisted pipe cleaners, is one of the first things tourists and other guests will see when they stroll through White House halls all decked out for the holidays.

The 2-year-old Portuguese water dog features prominently in the 350-pound, white chocolate-covered gingerbread White House. A version of the furry pooch, made from almond paste, sits on the edible grounds near a replica of Michelle Obama's fruit and vegetable garden.

"This year, Bo has taken on increased importance in the house so we made him a little bigger," White House pastry chef Bill Yosses told reporters Wednesday during a preview of the holiday decorations. His fingers were still stained black from sculpting the mini Bo.

Bo joined Obama, Mrs. Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama in signing the family's Christmas card — with a paw print.

Guests can also take a bite out of Bo — the Christmas cookie variety.

The first lady held an open house Wednesday for children of parents on active duty or reserve status in the Marine Corps. They and their parents, in their dress blues, were the first guests to see the White House in its holiday glory, Mrs. Obama said.

Yosses, chef Cristeta Comerford, florist Laura Dowling and other staffers later led the kids down the Christmas tree-lined hall to the State Dining Room, where they learned how to ice gingerbread cookies, use fruit and vegetables stamps to decorate a card, and make magazine trees.

Mrs. Obama joined the hands-on activities. She decorated a cookie and a card, and sampled a cookie given to her by one of the kids.

She described the pipe cleaner version of Bo as "pretty, pretty shocking. But it's very cool and he's very soft."

Mrs. Obama settled on the theme of "Simple Gifts" for her second holiday season as first lady, emphasizing what she says are the simple things that bring joy at Christmas time, such as music, children, friends and family, and gifts made from nature.

Some of the White House decorations are made from basic and reusable materials, such as wood, newspaper and magazines.

The usual centerpiece of Christmas at the White House is the official tree, one of 19 trees in public areas of the building.