Are you struggling this Christmas? Many of us are, but hey at least we can buy the Obamas a vacation eh?

“KAILUA (Hawaii NewsNow) – President Obama’s Christmas vacation in Hawaii will cost tax payers more than $1.5 million, but most of the people questioned by Hawaii News Now about the expense believe it is reasonable.

The round trip flight on Air Force One from Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington D.C. to Honolulu is estimated at more than $1 million.

The Honolulu Police Department paid $228,000 in overtime to officers assigned to the president’s detail when he visited for Christmas last year. It cost at least $150,000 to house secret service, White House staff, and other personnel during the president’s 2010 Christmas visit. Those expenses are likely to be similar this year.

First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia arrived on a private jet to begin their 2010 Hawaiian holiday. According to a White House dossier that flight cost taxpayers in the neighborhood of $63,000. The first lady is expected to arrive on a private jet again this year.

Those expenses alone (2 flights, HPD overtime, and lodging for security and staff) total more than $1.5 million.

There are many more costs including vehicle rentals, cargo transport of security and communications equipment, and the expense incurred by security personnel preparing for the president’s visit.”

Ho, ho, ho……