In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. In this photograph, Mrs. Carter congratulates the group onstage, including Amy Carter (seated in her clown costume) and distinguished actress Helen Hayes. Hayes, a board member of the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, narrated the production.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. Here, First Lady Rosalynn Carter and her daughter, Amy, enjoy the performance with an audience of children. White House press corps journalist Helen Thomas and Mary Prince, Amy Carter's nanny, stand behind the audience.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by Karl Schumacher on December 11, 1974, First Lady Betty Ford sits with an audience of children during the annual White House Christmas party for the children of diplomats. The party was organized by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. The party featured entertainment by magician James Randi as well as appearances by costumed characters including "Mickey Mouse" and "Santa Claus," portrayed by White House aide John E. Nidecker.

In this photograph, taken by Jack E. Kightlinger on December 22, 1970, First Lady Pat Nixon greets "Big Bird" from PBS's "Sesame Street" during a Christmas party for children of diplomats. The party was organized by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. The annual children's Christmas parties for children of diplomats often featured appearances by popular children's television entertainers. "Big Bird" also appeared at the diplomats' children's Christmas parties in 1976, 1978, and 1990.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 9, 1985, NBC "Today" show weatherman Willard Scott, dressed as Santa Claus, introduces child actor Emmanuel Lewis during a Christmas party in the East Room hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. Lewis played the title character in the American television sitcom "Webster" from 1983-1989. In this photograph, Mrs. Reagan and social secretary Linda Faulkner can be seen seated among the children in the audience. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. In this photograph, Mrs. Carter congratulates the group onstage, including Amy Carter (seated in her clown costume) and distinguished actress Helen Hayes. Hayes, a board member of the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, narrated the production.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. In this photograph, members of the theater company including Judith Ann Abrams gesture triumphantly toward Amy Carter, who is seated onstage in her costume.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. Here, Mrs. Carter and Amy watch the performance with the audience of children. White House press corps journalist Helen Thomas and Mary Prince, Amy’s nanny, stand behind the audience.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. Here, first daughter Amy Carter poses with guests in the Blue Room.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 16, 1975, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Betty Ford for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. Approximately 463 children from 84 countries were invited to the party, where they enjoyed entertainment by television puppetry personalities Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, clowns from the Social Security Clown Club from the Baltimore Social Security Administration, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Here, First Lady Betty Ford mingles with guests in the State Dining Room.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. In this photograph, Mrs. Carter speaks to the audience of children.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, First Lady Pat Nixon sits with an audience of approximately 400 children during a Christmas party she hosted for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. During the party, Mrs. Nixon and the children were treated to selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, performed by 40 students from the Washington School of Ballet.