Federal Holiday Tour

Many families pile into the car on Christmas Day, put the holiday music tape in the cassette deck, and drive around town looking at the holiday lights. But those of you stuck at work this week, need not forsake this holiday tradition. Just gather anyone else left in the office into your cubicle and follow GovExec.com's special federal holiday tour around the Web. If you don't have a cassette player, have everyone hum some Christmas carols.

Our first stop is the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., where Santa Claus wants to know, will there be a white Christmas? Santa contracted the center, run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to list the probabilities for snow on Christmas Day in cities around the country. Everybody stop and see if you'll be having a White Christmas. But come right back (using your browser's back button).

Next, let's stop by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where the nice employees have left us some presents. Inside the gift boxes, we find safety tips galore on getting through the holiday season without a scratch. Everyone, say hi to Frosty the Snowman!

Over at the U.S. Postal Service, they've decked the halls with boughs of holly and holiday mailing suggestions. The postmaster Webmaster even lets us take a peek at some letters kids have written to Santa Claus over the years.

The Christmas spirit has infected the Defense Logistics Agency, where both the director and deputy director have left holiday messages to "each member of the Defense Logistics Agency family." Lt. General Henry Glisson, the director, offers us wishes for a safe and happy holiday and asks DLA employees to "return next year renewed and committed to continue providing America's warfighters superior logistics combat support."

Even the techies over at the General Services Administration have strung the holiday lights around their Web site. The information technology policy folks offer us this week's "Top Jingle," turning their weekly announcement spot into a festive holiday party.

Our tour winds up at the White House, where the commander-in-chief has left us the following Christmas message:

At this time of year, when the nights grow longer and often colder, our lives are brightened and our hearts warmed by the lights of Christmas. So much light surrounds our memories and celebration of Christmas: candlelight in the windows, colored lights twinkling on the tree, children's faces lit with a joy that is reflected in their parents' eyes. The beloved Christmas story itself is a story of light, for, as the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus came into the world as "the true Light" that illumines all humankind.

Almost 2,000 years later, that Light still shines amid the dark places of our world. It is reflected in the lives of so many quiet and generous people who strive daily to make life better for others -- feeding the hungry, caring for the ill and elderly, cherishing and nurturing children. It radiates from the hearts of those who work for peace and justice in their communities, our nation, and the world. It shines in the efforts of men and women striving to break down the walls of fear, ignorance, and prejudice that cast shadows across too many lives and prevent us from becoming the people God intended us to be.

May all who celebrate Christmas this year rejoice in the special gifts of light that it brings: the love that warms our hearts, the faith that lights our journey, and the hope that promises us a bright future. Hillary and I wish you joy and peace during this Christmas season and much happiness in the New Year.

William J. Clinton

Well, it's about time to hop in the sleigh and head home, so happy holidays from all of us at GovExec.com!