Caren Explains the Advent Conspiracy

Need to buy some Christmas presents, but don't have any ideas? There's a good reason: Most of us have all we need.

But not everyone.

Instead of buying a gift that he or she will probably forget about after December 25th, why not give your time or money to a cause?

Join the conspiracy:



Still need some ideas? Here are a two causes I am donating to this Christmas season:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

White House Holidays and Barney Cam

Last year at Christmas, my family was lucky to get a private tour of the White House. Beautiful when it's decorated for the holidays, and SO much goes on behind the scenes... the amount of flower arrangements, meals, etc, that are made in the tiny basement? Amazing. (Plus, it has a bowling alley... who knew...)

In 2005, the theme was "All Things Bright and Beautiful," with fresh flowers on all the trees. In 2006, it is "Deck the Halls and Welcome All."

As part of the theme, the Executive Residence staff produced this video, which means 1) You get to see the White House, including off-limits areas, all decorated for the holidays; 2) Hard to believe, but Karl Rove tries to be silly and act like an American Idol contestant; 3) The President has an Oval Office meeting with Barney; and 4) It stars the Presidential Pups and "Kitty."

Watch Barney Cam V: Barney's Holiday Extravanganza