Jacqueline Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed to Joseph P. Kennedy, Making Christmas Arrangements: "Caroline has you slightly confused with Santa Claus any way"
“Caroline has you slightly confused with Santa Claus”—Jackie Kennedy’s charming Christmas letter to "Grandpa," Joseph P. Kennedy
ALS signed “Jackie,” two pages both sides, 5.25 x 7.75, White House letterhead, no date. Handwritten letter to her father-in-law, Joseph P. Kennedy, beginning, "Dear Grandpa," in full: "For once I am trying to be organised ahead of time—so I wanted to write you about our Christmas plans. Jack said something about you going to Palm Springs for Xmas—& that we could have your house—I thought that was so sad—as I would just feel so awful being in your house for Xmas—& you off in a hotel somewhere—I thought it would make us look like ogres & be sad for you & everything.
I know it is a bit crowded at 1095 with 2 children now—I would like to spend another Xmas in Palm Beach as it is Jack's only time for a vacation—& you will probably think I am crazy—but just once I would like to try it in our own house with our little family—as it reminds me so of all the Xmas' when we were growing up—I would never never stay in your house over Xmas if you couldn't be there—
Rather tentatively I've arranged to get Mrs. Paul's house—which is rear Mrs. Young's on your side—near the Golf Club—We could come up for lunch & Caroline's swim every day & you could play golf with Jack & we could all hang stockings together. You'd see just as much of us as before without all the overcrowding that we & the Secret Service inflict you with every year & which you are always such a saint about.
So please Grandpa don't you dare go to Palm Springs as it would just kill us & Caroline who has you slightly confused with Santa Claus any way—You know how much I love you & always have—so please understand all this & don't run away to Palm Springs." In fine condition.
This warm family letter captures the Kennedy clan's Palm Beach Christmas traditions during JFK’s presidency, when the president’s limited holiday respite was complicated by two young children, an expanding household, and invasive Secret Service security. Jackie’s effort to preserve both intimacy and independence—while ensuring that the family remained close to Joseph P. Kennedy—reveals her deep affection for her father-in-law and the grandfatherly devotion Caroline associated with the magic of Christmas.
From the estate of Ann Gargan King.
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“Caroline has you slightly confused with Santa Claus”—Jackie Kennedy’s charming Christmas letter to "Grandpa," Joseph P. Kennedy
ALS signed “Jackie,” two pages both sides, 5.25 x 7.75, White House letterhead, no date. Handwritten letter to her father-in-law, Joseph P. Kennedy, beginning, "Dear Grandpa," in full: "For once I am trying to be organised ahead of time—so I wanted to write you about our Christmas plans. Jack said something about you going to Palm Springs for Xmas—& that we could have your house—I thought that was so sad—as I would just feel so awful being in your house for Xmas—& you off in a hotel somewhere—I thought it would make us look like ogres & be sad for you & everything.
I know it is a bit crowded at 1095 with 2 children now—I would like to spend another Xmas in Palm Beach as it is Jack's only time for a vacation—& you will probably think I am crazy—but just once I would like to try it in our own house with our little family—as it reminds me so of all the Xmas' when we were growing up—I would never never stay in your house over Xmas if you couldn't be there—
Rather tentatively I've arranged to get Mrs. Paul's house—which is rear Mrs. Young's on your side—near the Golf Club—We could come up for lunch & Caroline's swim every day & you could play golf with Jack & we could all hang stockings together. You'd see just as much of us as before without all the overcrowding that we & the Secret Service inflict you with every year & which you are always such a saint about.
So please Grandpa don't you dare go to Palm Springs as it would just kill us & Caroline who has you slightly confused with Santa Claus any way—You know how much I love you & always have—so please understand all this & don't run away to Palm Springs." In fine condition.
This warm family letter captures the Kennedy clan's Palm Beach Christmas traditions during JFK’s presidency, when the president’s limited holiday respite was complicated by two young children, an expanding household, and invasive Secret Service security. Jackie’s effort to preserve both intimacy and independence—while ensuring that the family remained close to Joseph P. Kennedy—reveals her deep affection for her father-in-law and the grandfatherly devotion Caroline associated with the magic of Christmas.
From the estate of Ann Gargan King.
Estimate
Time, Location
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