Holiday greetings are a massive operation for the Obama family. Michelle Obama recently shared that she and her husband, Barack Obama, send out more than 100,000 cards annually. This tradition helps them stay connected with a vast network of supporters.+1
The former First Lady revealed this staggering number during a Dec. 15 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. She explained that the couple actually checked the totals to see how much holiday cheer they were spreading. Consequently, the high volume reflects their commitment to expressing gratitude across their personal and professional lives.
Managing the Obama Family Holiday Mailing List
Maintaining such a large list requires significant organization and effort. Michelle noted that the 100,000-plus cards reach a diverse group of recipients. These include close family members, long-time friends, and various business associates from their years in the public eye.
Furthermore, many of these cards go to “foundation people” involved with the Obama Foundation. This organization is currently working on the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. By sending these greetings, the Obamas maintain strong ties with those helping to build their post-presidency legacy.
“You know, we checked. It’s over 100,000,” Michelle Obama stated. “But that incorporates friends, family, business people [and] foundation people, so it’s a lot of folks that we want to thank.”
Orchestrating Gift Giving and Holiday Traditions
Michelle also gave fans a peek into how her family handles personal gift-giving at home. While everyone in the house receives a present, she is usually the one in charge. She described herself as the person “orchestrating” the entire process to ensure a festive holiday.
The former First Lady joked that Barack has improved his gift-giving over the years with some help. She mentioned that he often relies on her stylist, Meredith Koop, for guidance. This teamwork ensures that even the busiest former president can find the right gifts for his family.
Continuing Public Advocacy and Holiday Spirit
Beyond their private celebrations, the Obamas remain active in the public sphere. They often use the holiday season to advocate for Democratic causes and share personal photos on social media. These updates allow their millions of followers to feel connected to their journey.
Barack Obama also keeps up his own end-of-year tradition by sharing his favorite media. His annual lists of books, movies, and music have become a staple of the season. Together, these traditions show a family that remains deeply engaged with the culture and the people they served.
