Every December, as the world slows down to savor the holidays, the Obamas are busy spreading cheer on a scale that’s hard to fathom. This year, former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed just how far their festive reach extends. Appearing on the December 15 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” she shared a jaw-dropping detail: the Obamas send out more than 100,000 Christmas cards each year. That’s not a typo—over one hundred thousand envelopes, each carrying a bit of holiday warmth from one of America’s most celebrated families.
“You know, we checked. It’s over 100,000,” Michelle Obama told Kimmel, according to People. She explained that the recipients aren’t just close friends and family. “But that incorporates friends, family, business people [and] foundation people, so it’s a lot of folks that we want to thank.” The “foundation people” she mentioned include those connected to the Obama Foundation, the organization spearheading the development of the long-anticipated Obama Presidential Center.
For the Obamas, the holidays are about more than just tradition—they’re about gratitude and connection. “Everybody gets a gift, [but] I’m generally the one who is orchestrating it,” Michelle Obama admitted, giving viewers a peek behind the curtain at the family’s festive routines. She’s the mastermind behind the gift-giving, making sure that each present is thoughtful and personal, even as the family’s holiday list continues to grow.
While their Christmas card list is massive, the Obamas’ celebrations are deeply personal. Michelle Obama even surprised another family by joining their impromptu Christmas card photo shoot, spreading joy in the most unexpected way. And when it comes to their own family’s festivities, the Obamas share their Christmas photos with the world, posting snapshots on social media that fans eagerly await each year.
Yet, their holiday outreach doesn’t stop there. Barack Obama, ever the pop culture enthusiast, uses the end-of-year season to reflect on his favorite books, movies, and music. These lists have become something of a tradition in their own right, eagerly anticipated by fans and creators alike. On December 18, 2025, Obama took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to unveil his 2025 music playlist—a curated selection of 30 tracks that captured his listening habits over the past year. Alongside the playlist, he shared his favorite books and movies, inviting followers to send their own recommendations.
“As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House,” Obama wrote in his post. “I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!” His message, warm and open, resonated with millions who look forward to these annual glimpses into his personal tastes.
This year’s playlist was notable for its embrace of global sounds, particularly the vibrant rhythms of Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene. Among the tracks Obama spotlighted were “Tatata” by Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ogulu featuring U.S. rapper Jacques ‘Travis Scott’ Webster II; “99” by Olamide Adedeji, featuring Zimbabwean-born Daecolm Holland, Oluwaloseyi ‘Seyi Vibez’ Balogun, Ahmed ‘Asake’ Ololade, and John ‘Young Jonn’ Udomboso; and “Not In Surrender” by Steven ‘Obongjayar’ Umoh. In total, six Nigerian artists made the cut, a testament to the country’s growing influence on the world stage.
Obama didn’t rank the songs—he never does. Instead, he presented the list as a personal snapshot, an invitation for others to discover something new. His embrace of African and African-diaspora artists isn’t new, either. For years, Obama’s year-end playlists have highlighted talents from across the continent, a gesture that’s been welcomed by fans and musicians alike. It’s a nod to the global nature of music and a recognition of the cultural bridges that art can build.
Nigeria’s Afrobeats-led music industry has exploded in the last decade, fueled by international collaborations and the rise of streaming platforms. Artists like Burna Boy and Asake are now household names far beyond Africa, collaborating with stars from the U.S. and Europe and filling stadiums around the globe. Obama’s endorsement, while just one voice, carries weight—introducing new listeners to genres and artists they might not otherwise encounter.
But the Obamas’ holiday season isn’t just about sharing playlists or sending cards. Since leaving the White House, they’ve maintained a robust public presence, advocating for Democratic causes and campaigns. The Obama Foundation, in particular, has remained front and center, overseeing the development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The center officially opened to visitors in the summer of 2025, marking a new chapter in the Obamas’ post-presidential journey.
The Presidential Center aims to be more than just a museum or archive. It’s envisioned as a hub for civic engagement, a place where future leaders can gather, learn, and be inspired. The opening was covered widely, with BLACK ENTERPRISE noting the significance of the occasion and the ongoing work of the foundation in shaping the next generation of changemakers.
Despite the demands of their public and philanthropic work, the Obamas have managed to keep their family traditions alive. Each year, Barack Obama’s lists of favorite movies, books, and songs serve as a reminder of the couple’s enduring curiosity and cultural engagement. Michelle Obama, meanwhile, continues to be the architect of the family’s holiday joy, orchestrating gifts and ensuring that everyone—from close relatives to distant colleagues—feels remembered and appreciated.
For many, the Obamas’ approach to the holidays is both aspirational and relatable. Who wouldn’t want to receive a card from Barack and Michelle Obama, or discover a new favorite song thanks to the former president’s playlist? Yet, beneath the scale and spectacle, there’s a simple message: gratitude matters. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a carefully chosen gift, or a shout-out to a rising musician, the Obamas have made it clear that the holidays are about reaching out, giving thanks, and building connections that last well beyond December.
As 2025 draws to a close, the Obamas’ enduring holiday traditions—sending cards, sharing music, and giving back—offer a timely reminder of the power of generosity and the importance of celebrating community, both near and far.
