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Holiday Traditions, Presidential Style

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Historian Paul Dickson says we're fascinated with presidential families because they're our "elected nobility."
Rebecca Sheir
Historian Paul Dickson says we're fascinated with presidential families because they're our "elected nobility."

With the winter holidays upon us, many families have special traditions they carry out this time of year. And in Washington, D.C., the spotlight has been shining especially brightly on the traditions of one family in particular: the Obamas.

WAMU's Rebecca Sheir spoke with historian Paul Dickson about presidential family traditions through the years. They met on New York Avenue and 12th Street Northwest, at the site of a former District favorite: Stuntz Toy Store, where many Washingtonians used to buy gifts for the holidays -- including President Abraham Lincoln.

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