What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
The "football" is the nickname given to the briefcase the Secret Service carries when they travel with the president. The exact contents are unknown, but it does provide a way for the president to confirm his identity and contact the National Military Command Center in case of an emergency.
Going to the movies isn't an option. For presidents and their families, the film needs to be brought to the White House, where there is actually a small theater. Forget huge screens and big buckets of classic buttery theater popcorn.
Rules are strict when it comes to presidents accepting expensive gifts from world leaders and other dignitaries. Gifts over US$390 have to be given to the National Archives. Anything less is considered as a souvenir or mark of courtesy.
Even though presidents can choose who they prefer to be a justice, in the end it's Congress who has to approve the decision. The same goes with cabinet members.
The president can't make any new laws at all, only pass a bill, or veto it. The power to create new laws fall on the Congress.
A president can have strong opinions just like any other citizen, but they can't enforce an interpretation of a law. That's the job of the Supreme Court.
Decisions regarding how to use federal money is a collaboration between the president and the Congress. The president drafts a budget and Congress approves it.
All laws apply to the president, and if they're broken Congress can choose to vote for impeachment. If impeached, the Senate will act as a court to place the president on trial.
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A negative side of being the president is the impact it has on their immediate families. Due to security reasons and lack of time, they often can't attend their children’s performances or sporting events.
Secret Service needs a four-hour notice if the president wants to head out from the White House. They're simply not allowed to be alone.
Current laws prevent the president from opening borders. This goes back to laws from 1921 that limit the number of immigrants that can enter the country legally per year.
Changing the constitution is a multistep process that the president can't amend as they want. In order for the constitution to be officially changed, a Constitutional Amendment must be drafted by a state or by Congress. Then it must be voted on both in Congress and by the states.
Even if a sitting US president would find the time to write and publish a book, they wouldn't have the copyright as a federal employee. US copyright law states any work created by a federal government employee is in the public domain.
The president is discouraged from cleaning their office or throwing away mail. Everything must be meticulously sorted and cleaned by other White House staffers before it's tossed out.
The president doesn't have the power to formally declare war. That's only in the hands of Congress. However, the president is only involved with signing the Declaration of War.
The US president doesn't have the power to halt deportations of illegal immigrants, or grant amnesty. The Supreme Court gets the final word on that.
According to the law, the president must place all investments into a blind trust until they leave office. This was an issue during president Trump's presidency, as he refused to place anything into a blind trust.
Lyndon B. Johnson was likely the last president to ever drive on a taxpayer-funded highway. However, they're allowed to drive on private property.
Even if former president Trump tried to push whatever he wanted via Executive Orders, the truth is, it's not that simple. The Congress, the Supreme Court, and even the people have the right to petition against the president.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy was a turning point when it came to presidential security. Riding from an open-topped convertible is no longer permitted.
Secret Service is on top of everything, even when it comes to phone calls and video chatting. These can only be done on a secured line.
As technology advances, so do new security threats of which the Secret Service has to be aware. Presidents are now advised to restrict the use of personal technology, such as iPhones.
The president can't authorize additional funding. It all lies with Congress, especially if it's about a budget issue.
Secret Service requires that all the windows stay closed for security reasons. This also applies to windows in all official transportation.
The president is unable to do anything when it comes to government shutdowns. When it happens, it falls directly on the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Secret Service prohibits the president to use commercial airlines. But it's a slim chance they would even choose that since they have the Air Force 1.
Even if the president of the United States is considered to be one of the most powerful leaders in the world, they still have no say when it comes to the constitution and laws. The United States Supreme Court has the final word on that.
Presidents can go out to dinner, but the Secret Service will need sufficient notice so that they will be able to secure the restaurant. Plus, the food taster needs to be present.
When the president eats outside the White House, the Secret Service tastes the president's food, but only when absolutely necessary. This is to avoid risk of any poisoning.
Want to discover the things American presidents can't do in office? Then click through the gallery.
Strange things US presidents can’t do in office
From driving in public to changing the constitution, some of these will surprise you
LIFESTYLE Us elections
Being the president of the United States comes with a lot of power and privileges. But there are also many things the US president isn't allowed to do while in office, largely due to security reasons. The most mundane activities can come as a surprise, especially as they're the kind of freedoms many of us take for granted. Then there are the rules they can't break due to the constitution, for it being a democracy.
Want to discover the things American presidents can't do in office? Then click through the gallery.