Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush didn't shy from depicting Christmas trees on their cards. President Bill Clinton had a trimmed tree too.

But President George W. Bush's cards have garnered attention from national pundits for their distinct lack of Christmas symbols. This year's art depicts the Bushs' two dogs and cat frolicking on a snow-covered White House lawn.

A verse from Psalms in the Old Testament is inside and should satisfy most seeking a Christian theme in the presidential card, but chatter abounds in the media that the Old Testament is not good enough for some conservatives, as it does not mention the birth of Jesus.

A message below the scripture reads, "With best wishes for a holiday season of hope and happiness."

Jasper County resident Del Davidson is not bothered by the president's card, however.

"A holiday card would probably satisfy a lot of other peoples' religions," he said.

And if you look hard enough, Davidson said, there is a definite "Christmassy" glow from a second floor White House window.

Davidson, proprietor of Paradise Farms in Point South and member of Republican National Committee, received his first card last year. He was surprised to get another one this year, he said, and he feels grateful to the committee for including him on the mailing list.

Considering the card is sent to dignitaries around the world, Davidson said, a holiday card is probably more pleasing, which is important in a time of war.

Tommy Wright, a machinist who lives on Lady's Island, wrote a letter published in The Gazette on Dec. 13 that observed "So, a Christmas tree is now a holiday tree."

Wright is disheartened to see people getting away from the Christian holiday, he said. While he does not see this trend as part of a larger conspiracy, he does take issue when traditional Christmas symbols are stripped of their original context.

This is the first year he noticed the trend when he saw a sign somewhere for holiday trees. You don't see the same thing happening with the symbols of Hanukkah, he said.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's cards appear to follow the same formula as the presidential cards. Both share Bible verses from the Old Testament, references to the "holiday season" and a lack of Christmas symbols.

"It is most certainly a Christmas card," said Joel Sawyer, spokesman for Sanford, of the text inside the governor's card, which has been the same for years. "And anyone who receives it would call it a Christmas card."