At a Friday “Toys for Tots” event hosted at the White House, First Lady Jill Biden’s attempt to toe the politically correct line with a generic “Happy Holidays” was swiftly and boldly corrected—by the children. The kids in attendance, undeterred by modern sensitivities, fired back with a cheerful and unmistakable “Merry Christmas,” restoring tradition to the festive gathering.
The event, a celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve’s decades-old *Toys for Tots* program, highlights the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. Founded in the 1940s, the charity has brought toys and joy to countless children whose families struggle to make ends meet during the holidays.
Dr. Jill Biden, in her role as First Lady, attempted to strike a lighthearted and cheerful tone while greeting the children. Waving awkwardly, she smiled and offered the crowd a sanitized, secular, “Happy Holidays.” After a pause that could only be described as uncomfortable, a young child boldly responded with “Happy Christmas!” forcing Jill Biden to awkwardly laugh and repeat “Happy Christmas.” Undeterred, the other children chimed in—this time with the traditional “Merry Christmas!”
The spontaneous chorus was not only refreshing but a firm reminder that the American Christmas season is more than a generic “holiday”—it’s rooted in faith, tradition, and goodwill.
This moment was more than just a humorous exchange; it underscored how ordinary Americans—yes, even children—are pushing back against the cultural shift away from the traditional values that make Christmas so special. For years, phrases like “Happy Holidays” have been promoted in the name of inclusivity, despite the obvious roots of this season in the celebration of Christ’s birth. For many Americans, hearing *Merry Christmas* is not just a greeting—it’s a proud affirmation of faith and tradition.
While Jill Biden’s prepared remarks focused on charity and kindness—good virtues for any season—her choice to avoid saying *Merry Christmas* struck a familiar chord. This administration and many on the Left continue to scrub overtly Christian language from public life, all while claiming to honor *all* traditions. But the moment those children replied “Merry Christmas,” it became clear that America’s heart is still very much tied to its roots.
Despite the initial awkwardness, Jill Biden praised the Marine Corps Reserve and the *Toys for Tots* program. She thanked Lieutenant General Laster for decades of service and applauded the Marine Band, saying, *“Joe and I are grateful to them and to their families for their service, and for filling the White House with talent and grace.”*
In a positive note, she encouraged the children to embrace love and charity, saying, *“If you only remember one thing from the holidays, after all the wrapping paper is cleaned up, let it be this: you are loved.”* She urged the crowd to spread love to others during the season, particularly those in need.
While her message of compassion rang true, the elephant in the room remained: Why omit the very name of the holiday everyone came together to celebrate? The crowd’s young voices made it clear that the next generation, even at the White House, hasn’t forgotten what this season is really about.
The “Merry Christmas” pushback at the White House serves as a heartwarming reminder that even in an increasingly politically correct society, traditions matter. For these children, Christmas is still Christmas—an occasion for joy, giving, and faith.
Perhaps it’s time for leaders in Washington to take a page from these children’s book. America’s families, after all, celebrate *Christmas*—not a generic winter holiday—and there’s no shame in saying so.
So, in the spirit of those brave little voices: *Merry Christmas to all!*
