A Christmas Day trip to Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar has been a standing tradition in the George H.W. Bush household.

The former president remains at The Methodist Hospital for treatment of a cough lingering from a case of bronchitis, but that didn't stop him and his wife, Barbara, from enjoying their beloved neighborhood Chinese cuisine: The family enjoyed Gigi's at the hospital with H.W.'s son Neil, Neil's wife, Maria, and his grandson Pierce.

Methodist Hospital representatives and family spokespersons have been anticipating an imminent release since the 88-year-old Bush was initially hospitalized the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Just last week doctors said they expected him to be discharged in time for Christmas, and while they continue to insist that his condition is stable and not life-threatening, a solid release date has not yet been set.

"They're taking it one day at a time right now," spokesman Jim McGrath told the Houston Chronicle. "The doctors are cautiously optimistic that they have his current issues in hand. But they need to see more improvement before they start thinking about discharge."