All the hubbub over the November 3 election hasn’t brought the season to a complete standstill at the White House. While much jockeying and calculations may have been playing out in the Oval Office, First Lady Melania Trump has been arranging the Christmas decorations for the Trumps’ final year in the White House.
Now, following a busy weekend, she got to show off the fruits of her efforts and planning, as well as the labor of dozens of volunteers.
The season officially kicked off with the arrival of the Christmas tree.
Of course, there will be many trees displayed around the White House but this one will be the centerpiece. An 18.5-foot Fraser Fir from West Virginia, the tree will stand in the Blue Room.
For the 2020 season, Melania chose a theme of “America the Beautiful.”
Overall, it’s a more traditional look than she has served up in years past.
In 2017, for example, the Trumps’ first year in the White House, the Christmas decorations went viral for all the wrong reasons for appearing to be “spooky.”
The “America the Beautiful” theme comes into play throughout the building.
A display in the East Colonnade uses classical urns filled with foliage to represent each state’s official tree, for example.
Meanwhile, the East Room is decked out in a nod to American developments in transportation, from trains to flight to the Apollo moon landings.
Indeed, each room was designed with a particular theme in mind.
The Red Room is dedicated to the work of first responders and frontline health workers, especially noteworthy in 2020.
“Handmade ornaments highlight the many professionals and volunteers who serve their communities with a spirit of generosity,” a White House press release read.
Other highlights include a Kennedy-themed tree in the Vermeil Room.
Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy established the tradition of first ladies selecting a theme for the Christmas decorations each year back in 1961, according to the White House Historical Association.
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This year’s decorations also include a tree dedicated to Gold Star families, draped in blue, “the color of perseverance and justice,” the White House said.
The idea is to showcase as much of the nation as possible within the confines of the White House.
“From coast to coast, our country is blessed with boundless natural wonders. The timeless treasures represented in this year’s holiday showcase remind us of the true American spirit,” a press release read.
As usual, a lot went in to the Christmas decorations.
The White House is decked with a total of 106 wreaths, 62 trees, more than 1,200 feet of garland, more than 3,200 lights, and more than 17,000 bows, according to the First Lady’s office, CNN reported.
And once again, the White House kitchen staff delivered a large gingerbread re-creation of the White House.
According to a press release, the White House pastry chefs used 275 pounds of gingerbread dough, 110 pounds of pastillage dough, 30 pounds of gum paste, 25 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing to replicate the West Wing, Executive Residence, East Wing, and the Rose Garden and First Ladies’ Garden.
Of course, the massive Fraser Fir dominates the Blue Room.
It’s dedicated to the nation’s children, and artwork from children across the country adorn its branches.
“Students across the country were asked to artistically depict what makes their state beautiful by highlighting the people, places, and things that capture the spirit of the state in which they call home,” the White House explained. “Glistening on the branches, their mini masterpieces collectively showcase America, the beautiful.”
Melania released a statement about the decorations as well.
“Over the past four years I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens,” Melania said in a press release.
“From coast to coast, the bond that all [Americans] share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked to make sure the People’s House was ready for the holiday season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.”
She also made sure to thank the 125 volunteers who helped to decorate the White House.
“Thank you for your time, enthusiasm & devotion to make sure the spirit of peace & joy fill the historic rooms & halls of the People’s House,” she wrote on both Twitter and Instagram .
What do you think of the White House Christmas decorations? Let us know in the comments!
