coming as a friend and neighbor. of course, he ends the trip with, again, you know, best wishes for this season with the hope of peace. i think it's very important to say that both of my grandparents were spiritually oriented. i wouldn't say they had ever been that much associated with real organized religion until the presidential years, but, you know, christmas was very meaningful. >> over time, the meaning of holidays at the white house has expanded to include other celebrations across america. president jimmy carter was the first to light a public menorah near the mall in 1979. in 1993, president bill clinton lit a smar menorah in the oval office. during the george w. bush administration, a hanukkah celebration was added to the white house holiday schedule.