Bush's 'holiday' cards omit Christmas

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- While the huge tree at the U.S. Capitol is officially called a Christmas tree, there's no mention of Christmas in President George Bush's annual greeting cards.

Bush and his wife Laura are sending a record 1.4 million cards this month, wishing a happy "holiday season" to friends and supporters, paid for the Republican Party's National Committee.

But the political correctness of the wording doesn't sit well with some, even fellow conservatives, The Washington Post said.

Bush "claims to be a born-again, evangelical Christian. But he sure doesn't act like one," said Joseph Farah, editor of the conservative Web site WorldNetDaily.com.

Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Miss., agrees.

"It bothers me that the White House card leaves off any reference to Jesus, while we've got Ramadan celebrations in the White House," Wildmon said. "What's going on there?"

Susan Whitson, Laura Bush's press secretary, said the Bushes themselves celebrate Christmas.

"Their cards in recent years have included best wishes for a holiday season, rather than Christmas wishes, because they are sent to people of all faiths," Whitson said.