Christmas with the first family.

• Author: Grenn, Ben
• Position: Season's Greetings - Cover story

Some of the Palin family's closest friends are dropping in to visit them over the Christmas holiday season.

How about several hundred of their "closest" friends.

It's all a part of the plans for holiday season festivities for Alaska's first family. Hundreds of well-wishers from around Alaska will stop in at the governor's mansion in Juneau to spread good cheer during the traditional Alaska governor's open house at Christmastime.

"Our family is excited about and we look forward to opening 'our house' and greeting many Alaskans around this time of year," said Gov. Sarah Palin.

Last year, the first family spent more time packing, moving and unpacking boxes than they did stuffing Christmas stockings with goodies and toys.

Gov. Palin took the oath of office as Alaska's 11th governor on Dec. 4 and moved into the mansion shortly thereafter.

"This will be a little different Christmas than those in the past," she said. "I am looking forward to seeing my son (Track) who is currently at boot camp at Fort Benning, Ga. We are hoping he will get a few days off to fly home for the holidays." Track, 18, and the Palin's oldest child and only son, enlisted in the Army in September. Sarah and her husband, Todd, also have three daughters, Bristol, 17, Willow, 13 and Piper, 6.

After entertaining at the open house in Juneau, Gov. Palin and immediate family will return to their home in Wasilla to prepare for the...