Decorating for the holidays is a much-anticipated ritual at the White House, where thousands of visitors stop by to see the festive trimmings and ornaments each year.

For her family’s first White House Christmas celebration, first lady Melania Trump has designed a theme of “time-honored traditions,” paying tribute to some 200 years of holiday customs at the White House.

When visitors enter the China Room, they’ll see a table set for an intimate Christmas dinner, displaying patterned china acquired by President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. Nearby, the library showcases President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1866 edition of the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. Snow-dusted fir trees create a magical effect within the State Floor’s Grand Foyer and Cross Hall, decorated to evoke the first themed White House Christmas (which was The Nutcracker Suite ballet, from 1961).

“I hope when visiting the people’s house this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays,” said the first lady. “On behalf of my husband and [son] Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.”

Miniature White House, lit up and sitting in front of mirror (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Every holiday season, the first family’s pastry chef builds a gingerbread White House, artfully mimicking the real thing. (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Christmas tree in a green room where four people are sitting at a table (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump speaks with children as they make holiday decorations in the Green Room. (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Decorated mantel with three framed presidential silhouettes (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Presidential silhouettes and other Christmas decorations adorn a mantel in the Green Room. (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Grand hall lined with silver trees, with Christmas tree at end (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Holiday decorations in the East Wing create a “winter wonderland” ambience. (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Ballerinas dancing by Christmas trees (© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Ballerinas perform movements from “The Nutcracker Suite” to kick off the holiday season at the White House. (© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Glass tree ornament in shape of ballerina hanging on branch (© AP Images)
Tree ornaments in the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall reflect the timeless beauty of “The Nutcracker Suite,” a ballet that signals Christmastime. (© AP Images)
Dining room with red decorations (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
The China Room is the perfect setting for a family Christmas dinner. At right is a portrait of Grace Coolidge, who was first lady from 1923 to 1929. (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Gold tree ornament (© AP Images)
The first family’s official Christmas ornament is seen on a tree in the East Garden Room. (© AP Images)
Red room with Christmas tree under chandelier (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Christmas decor adorns the Red Room. Peppermints, cookies and other holiday treats can be found here as well. (© Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Grand Foyer decorated with Christmas trees and artificial snow (© AP Images)
Dressed up for the holidays, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall are reimagined as a dazzling winter landscape. (© AP Images)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR