Christmas Trees at "The People's House"

       The story of the White House is the story of America. In its rooms and gardens and ceremonial spaces can be read the development of the nation, from the founding of Washington in 1791 to its sacking by the British in 1814, through the Civil War, two world wars, the Great Depression, and many other foreign and domestic crises. Within its walls Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered his “Fireside Chats.” Its gleaming façade has provided a symbolic backdrop for suffragettes, freedom riders and anti-war protesters; on its sloping south lawn children gather for Easter egg rolls and to watch the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. In good times and bad, the White House is "America's House," the most potent symbol of the nation's democratic ideals. It is the only home of a head of state regularly open free to the public, offering ordinary citizens a glimpse of how their leaders live and work.

"In the late 1700s, it was decided that our country needed a capital city. Many people felt that it
should be located in New York; others thought it should be in Philadelphia. Our first President,
George Washington, finally picked the site - on the Potomac River, midway between the northern
and southern states. It would come to be called Washington, District of Columbia."
All photos here are available at Wikipedia under the Creative Commons.

       Probably the best known Christmas trees are the ones lighted annually by the President of the United States at appropriate cere- monies in Washington, D.C. This Christmas Eve program was first begun in 1923 when a fir tree shipped from Vermont was set up on the steps of the Capitol. In 1924, a 35-foot living Norway spruce provided by a New York nursery under the supervision of the American Forestry Association, was planted in the square south of the Treasury, near the White House. This tree was dedicated to the Nation as a National Living Christmas Tree. Later it was replaced with another living tree of like size and species. In 1934, the ceremonies centered around a living Norway spruce in Lafayette Park north of the White House. From 1941 to 1953 the National Christmas Tree was one of two oriental spruces thriving on the south lawn of the White House. By coincidence, 9 of the first 12 cut trees supplied by various States were also spruces. 

       Beginning in 1954, various States have supplied the National Christmas Tree, which is set up on the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. The President of the United States, at a prearranged ceremony, presses the button to turn on its lights.The States are also represented by 50 smaller trees, all set up on both sides of a promenade leading to the big tree.

• Every Year, The White House posts it's Christmas Decorations

The library decorated for Christmas. Many U.S. presidents have delivered speeches from this room.

"Over the years, the Green Room has served as a card room, as a sitting room, and, recently, as a 
parlor for small teas, receptions, and meetings. The walls were covered with green silk during
Thomas Jefferson's Presidency."

"James Hoban designed the blue room as an oval at the request of President Washington. Today,
it is used as a reception room for foreign dignitaries. During the holiday season, the chandelier
is removed, and the White House Christmas tree stands in the middle of the room."

Ornaments made by Americans everywhere were hung on the Blue Room's tree in 1975.

During many Christmas holidays, gingerbread is crafted by the official pastry chef.

A tree decorated in the colors of the American flag at the White
House.

Christmas tree in the Blue Room in 2016.

"In good times and bad, the White House is "America's House," the most potent symbol of the nation's
democratic ideals. It is the only home of a head of state regularly open free to the public, offering
ordinary citizens a glimpse of how their leaders live and work. Instead of a remote architectural 
monument, it is a living symbol of government's accessibility, to the extent that we routinely 
speak of it as having moods, attitudes and distinguishing features. The White House is said
to possess ''dignity" and "stature," to appear "concerned" or "jubilant," to have a voice
that "declares," "defends" or offers "no comment."