Zippers and 'Bo-flakes' deck the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- "Bo-flakes" ornaments featuring cutouts of the first dog and some decorations made from zippers are among the new twists on traditional favorites at the White House this Christmas season.

First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year's decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families Wednesday, then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.

Bo himself made an appearance, too, and his influence seems to be everywhere.

There's an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room. Mrs. Obama says that reflects the dog's high standing at the White House.

Visitors also will get a bookmark featuring Bo that sends them on a scavenger hunt for "Bo-ornaments" stashed in eight rooms.