The Evolution of White House Christmas Decorations: A First Ladies' Touch
Discover the captivating evolution of White House Christmas decorations! From elegant white lilies to stunning gingerbread masterpieces and even the controversial red trees, explore how First Ladies have transformed the iconic residence over the years
Barbara Bush adorned the White House Christmas Tree with hundreds of white lilies and iridescent garlands. Michelle Obama incorporated tributes to the First Dog, Bo, in her holiday decorations. Melania Trump broke tradition with bare white branches and the controversial dark red trees.
Since Mamie Eisenhower's love for the holidays led to an increase in presidential Christmas decorations in the 1950s, First Ladies have taken on the responsibility of upholding increasingly intricate holiday decor traditions, with their choices being both praised and critiqued. New traditions were introduced by different administrations, including themes by Jacqueline Kennedy, elaborate gingerbread White Houses by Patricia Nixon, and Red Room cranberry trees by Betty Ford. Planning now involves an elaborate, months-long process between the First Lady and a team of designers, and requires hundreds of volunteers to bring to life.
For this season, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden unveiled enchanting decor on Monday, centered around the theme "Magic, Wonder, and Joy," urging Americans to "embrace your inner child and savor the moments with loved ones," as stated in the annual White House Holiday Guide.
2023: Santa and his reindeer take flight in the White House, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the book "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
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The Grand Foyer is adorned with arcing reindeer while the East Wing Lobby and East Colonnade are decorated with oversized candies and fairy lights. A total of 98 Christmas trees can be found throughout the White House, including the official 18.5-foot tree in the Blue Room. Additionally, nearly 34,000 ornaments and over 142,000 holiday lights adorn the premises. The White House announces that after last year's debut, the White House's Hanukkah menorah will be displayed, marking the first to be commissioned by the executive residence and permanently enter its collection.
Seasonal symbolism
"According to Sarah Fling, a historian from the White House Historical Association, we usually witness the Christmas and holiday decorations at the White House gradually becoming more elaborate over time. It is now anticipated that First Ladies will present something that is unique, enjoyable, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing."
The White House has displayed Christmas trees for 134 years, starting with one adorned with candles and toys before electricity was available. First Ladies have always overseen the decorations, a role that has expanded as Christmas has become more commercialized. Themes have varied, from the "Nutcracker Suite" of former First Lady Kennedy to "America the Beautiful" by Trump and "All Creatures Great and Small" by Laura Bush. During times of economic uncertainty, some First Ladies have opted for more modest decorations, such as homemade designs by Ford in 1974 and recycled ornaments sent out by Obama in 2009.
1962: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of themed Christmases.
Darren McCollester/Kennedy Library Archives/Getty Images
1962: White House decorations used to be a smaller affair, put up by family and staff.
John F. Kennedy Library/Archive Photos/Getty Images
First Ladies often integrate their initiatives into the decor, according to Fling. "A lot of First Ladies will shape the decorations around their initiatives," she said. "So in that capacity, it's really a means for them to share the causes that are important to them." For example, Nancy Reagan had teens from a substance rehabilitation program create ornaments during the "Just Say No" era, while Obama asked military families to contribute cards and ornaments after launching her "Joining Forces" initiative to support service members.
Nativity sets are receiving a minimalist update. With greater access to the White House's holiday decor online, opinions and misinformation can quickly spread. Trump's controversial "blood trees" in 2018 were criticized as "creepy," and false claims in 2013 suggested Obama was replacing "Christmas" trees with "holiday" trees, foreshadowing future Starbucks cup controversies.
This year, the White House anticipates that approximately 100,000 guests will visit the "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" decorations in person. Below, view images showcasing how First Ladies have adorned and enhanced the White House throughout the years.
1960: The Eisenhower family on Christmas Eve. Mamie Eisenhower (second from right) was the first First Lady to expand holiday decorations at the White House.
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1970: Patricia Nixon in front of the White House Christmas tree.
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1974: Betty Ford with homemade ornaments.
AP
1983: Nancy Reagan posed with the actor Mr. T, dressed as Santa Claus, unveiling the White House Christmas decorations together.
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1987: Reagan (pictured with White House chef Hans Raffert) debuted the year's gingerbread house, which included a miniature version of her dog, Rex.
Barry Thumma/AP
1992: Barbara Bush in a cherrypicker, placing a star on a tree in the White House grounds.
Jeff Markowitz/Pool/Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images
1993: Socks the Cat, the Clintons' First Pet, with his Christmas stocking.
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1994: Hillary Clinton chose the theme "Twelve Days of Christmas."
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1998: Clinton's shimmering gilt decorations for the year centered on the theme "A Winter Wonderland."
Georges De Keerle/Getty Images
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In 2001, Laura Bush introduced the "Home for the Holidays" theme to the press, however, the White House reduced its yearly celebrations in response to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
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2009: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in front of the White House Christmas Tree, decorated for the theme "Reflect, Rejoice, Renew."
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2011: Obama's theme "Shine, Give, Share" honored military families with ornaments made by them.
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2010: The theme "Simple Gifts" included a replica of the family dog, Bo, made of pipe cleaners.
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2010: The Grand Foyer decorated according to Obama's theme "Simple Gifts."
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2017: Melania Trump in the Grand Foyer during a preview of the holiday decorations, which featured a ballet performance.
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2017: Trump's shadowy white branches were an unconventional, minimalist approach to Christmas decor.
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2018: Melania Trump's cranberry topiary trees, pictured here in the East Colonnade, were scrutinized online.
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2021: Dr. Jill Biden received the 18-foot-tall White House Christmas Tree, grown in North Carolina.
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2023: Candy-themed decorations are part of Dr. Jill Biden's theme "Magic, Wonder, and Joy."
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2023: Though there are 98 Christmas Trees on the White House premises this year, the official tree has a longstanding tradition of being placed in the Blue Room.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
