On Friday, political gridlock in Washington ended and the House Republicans dropped their opposition to an extension of a payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. With that battle over, President Obama is off to Hawaii for a holiday vacation and Congress is on break.

While the public awaits their return, here is a look at what the holiday season was like in Washington, D.C.--without the partisan rancor--from the early 1900s to 1941.

Electric Institute of Washington, Christmas tree I
Christmas in Washington, D.C., 1940. Theodor Horydczak
Washington, D.C. Greyhound bus terminal on the day before Christmas
Holiday travelers are packed in a Washington, D.C., Greyhound bus terminal on Christmas Eve, 1941. John Vachon
Washington, D.C. Greyhound bus terminal on the day before Christmas. Waiting for buses
Holiday travelers waiting for buses at a Washington, D.C., Greyhound terminal in 1941. John Vachon
Wilson buying Christmas seals
President Woodrow Wilson is seen in this 1923 photograph buying Christmas seals for charity. These were specially designed and sold to the post office to raise money for tuberculosis treatment in the early 20th century. Library of Congress
Senate pages, Christmas party
The Senate pages are seen in this 1923 picture attending their Christmas party. Library of Congress
Christmas carols at White House, Washington, D.C., 122423
A group of Christmas carolers in front of the White House on Christmas Eve, 1923. Library of Congress
A political amnesty picket at the White House today
Protesters picket outside the White House Dec. 22, 1922. Santa carries a bag filled with the Constitution, Free Assemblage, Free Speech and Free Press. Library of Congress
Unemployment Barack obama Christmas Unemployment