Holiday can't ease tension

COLUMBIA -- In holiday seasons past, South Carolina's first family seemed like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Gov. Mark Sanford, first lady Jenny and their four sons flipped the switch to light the towering statehouse Christmas tree. They posed for a bucolic holiday card describing folksy family events like their youngest giving a turtle a new home in a fountain at the governor's mansion.

Oh, how things have changed after the governor's June admission that he took a secret trip to Argentina to visit his mistress, whom he calls his soul mate.

The couple no longer shares a home, but on Thursday Jenny Sanford fulfilled her traditional role as first lady, welcoming the public to see the decorations at the governor's mansion.

That's where her husband lives, but she and the boys stay at the family's home on Sullivan's Island, 120 miles away.

Jenny Sanford and two of the boys skipped the traditional state Christmas tree lighting last weekend, while Mark Sanford sat between his two youngest sons. Even the tree is a little less festive this year -- because of the recession, the garden club that puts it up had to buy a shorter one than usual.

Mark Sanford did attend the open house, arriving about two hours after it began -- and after the crowd had mostly thinned out. The governor gave his wife a quick kiss, but the two spent much of the night about 10 feet apart, entertaining separate groups.

The family does plan to send a Christmas card this year, although it is not in the mail yet, said Meg Milne, a spokeswoman for the first lady.

In a statement released Thursday, Jenny Sanford said she would spend the holidays in Florida, where her parents live. It was not immediately clear if her husband will be with her, though he joined her there on the Fourth of July.

"I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with my boys and family and friends in Florida," Jenny Sanford said.

The governor said his holiday plans are a family matter but that he plans "to have a happy holiday season."

While Mark Sanford's star has fallen -- he was once considered a 2012 presidential contender and now may not even get to finish his second and final term -- his wife's has risen.

Visitors wished her and the boys well and thanked her. Some women said they came specifically to show their support for her.

Seeing the first lady overwhelmed 61-year-old Lougenia Hill to tears. Hill gave her a big hug and whispered, "It'll be OK."

"She's welcoming everybody and not showing any sign of all that's going on," the Columbia resident said.

Next week, Jenny Sanford will be featured on a Barbara Walters special about the year's most fascinating people. She has landed a book contract and set up a Web site.