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 ChristmasCarol. 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.”