Merry 'Holiday' Party at the White House

Well, they still don't hate me at the White House. Want proof? I, and probably a zillion other Washington reporters, got an invite to a Bush "holiday" reception.

Excuse me for blushing, but this is one of the coolest things still going in official Washington. First, you get to act like a socialite and walk around the decorated private rooms and snack on special treats. And, yes, there's a picture with the first family. Here's a little secret: Even Bush's meanest enemies in the press show up for that snapshot.

I'm bringing my 17-year-old daughter, Maddy, who, by the way, was born just days before my first White House party in 1989 when I covered former President George H. W. Bush. I'll bring back pictures. Check for them here later this week.