JD Vance mistakenly invites guests to celebrate 50 years of Christmas instead of Hanukkah

Vice President JD Vance appears to have made a notable holiday error by sending invitations for a Hanukkah celebration that included the phrase Celebrating 50 years of Christmas.

The mix-up was highlighted by Gabby Deutch, a reporter for Jewish Insider, who posted a photo of the invitation on X on Wednesday. The invitation reads: The vice president & the second lady request the pleasure of your company for a Hanukkah reception at the vice presidents residence, with the event set for December 15.

Above this, in large decorative lettering, the invitation says: Golden Noel, followed by Celebrating 50 years of Christmas at the vice presidents residence.

This is not the first time a Hanukkah event at the White House has included Christmas references. Deutch pointed out that in November 2008, invitations for then-President George W. Bushs Hanukkah reception featured images of Christmas trees. At that time, Bushs Press Secretary Sally McDonough apologized for the mistake, calling it a staff error due to the failure to produce separate cards for different holiday events.

A spokesperson for Vance has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the invitation.

Author's Commentary: Holiday Invitation Misstep Highlights Ongoing Oversight

The recent Hanukkah invitation sent by Vice President JD Vance, which mistakenly referenced "50 years of Christmas," underscores a recurring issue in official holiday communications. While the event itself is set for December 15 and intended to honor Hanukkah, the prominent Christmas references create an impression of inattention to the significance of the Jewish holiday.

This is not an isolated incident. Historical precedent exists: in 2008, invitations for President George W. Bush's Hanukkah reception also included Christmas imagery, prompting an official apology from the White House at the time. The repetition of such errors suggests that protocols for producing distinct holiday invitations may not be consistently followed.

As of now, no comment has been provided by Vance's office regarding the invitation. This lapse, although seemingly minor, reflects a broader need for careful cultural and religious sensitivity in official communications.

Sources:

• JD Vance’s Hanukkah invitation says ‘Celebrating 50 years of Christmas’ in embarrassing blunder