U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has unveiled the White House Christmas décor – the first since the Trump family’s return to the presidential residence.

The decorations were created over the course of a week, with the help of more than 1,500 volunteers. Today, the nation’s primary residence is adorned with more than 50 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, 210 meters of garlands, about 7.5 kilometers of ribbon, and 10,000 decorative butterflies.

As tradition dictates, the First Lady determines the overarching theme of the holiday decoration. This year’s theme is «Home Is Where the Heart Is.» According to the White House website, Melania drew her inspiration «from the joys, challenges, and constant momentum of motherhood and business»

«This Christmas, let us celebrate the love we carry within us and share it with the world. After all, no matter where we are, we can create a home filled with elegance, radiance, and endless possibilities», Mrs. Trump wrote in her message, releasing a video of the decorated White House on the official social media account.

 

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One of the key elements is the Red Room of the Future, dedicated to children in the foster care system – a cause Melania has championed for many years. Other rooms feature installations honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, as well as portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump constructed entirely from LEGO pieces.

The main Christmas tree has been installed, as always, in the Blue Room – a towering fir from Michigan dedicated this year to the families of fallen service members. It is decorated with golden stars, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice, and ornaments depicting the official birds and flowers of every U.S. state and territory.

In the Green Room, a small tree stands between portraits made from 6,000 puzzle pieces. Meanwhile, the State Dining Room hosts the traditional gingerbread White House – this year crafted from more than 54 kilograms of gingerbread dough, 45 kilograms of sugar paste, 4.5 kilograms of chocolate, and 2.2 kilograms of icing.

Photo: Instagram @whitehouse, @firstladyoffice

The White House hosted its traditional Christmas tree reception ceremony, attended by Melania Trump. For the occasion, the First Lady chose an elegant cream Dior coat paired with plaid Manolo Blahnik heels. A striking accent was provided by her burgundy opera-length gloves.

 

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The annual ceremony marks the beginning of the holiday season at the residence of the President of the United States. This year, the main tree, standing 5.6 meters tall, was brought from Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan. This particular tree had won first place in the summer contest, which traditionally determines the White House’s official Christmas tree.

According to tradition, the tree was delivered to the residence by horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by members of the administration.

 

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«The First Lady greets and inspects the official White House Christmas tree!» reads the official White House Instagram post.

The main tree will be installed in the President’s Park on December 4. Another will be placed in the Blue Room, where, according to longstanding protocol, the President’s wife determines the style and festive decorations. We eagerly await the first photos of the holiday decor!

Video: Instagram @whitehouse

The holiday season is in full swing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As per tradition, the decoration of the U.S. President’s residence was spearheaded by the First Lady, Jill Biden. This year, the White House was adorned under the theme «Season of Peace and Light».

The decorations include 83 Christmas trees, over 3,000 meters of ribbon, 28,000 ornaments, and thousands of decorative doves.

This marks the final holiday season that Joe and Jill Biden will spend in the President’s official residence in Washington.

«As we celebrate our final festive season here at the White House, we are guided by values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness toward our neighbors, and the strength of community», noted Jill Biden.

The decorations were designed by event planner Bryan Rafanelli, who previously created holiday decor for Michelle Obama.

Upon entering the East Wing of the White House, visitors are greeted by a giant gold star.

In the same wing stands the Gold Star Tree, made up of six large stars representing the six branches of the U.S. military. The stars honor fallen service members, with their names engraved upon them.

The arches of the East Colonnade are adorned with bells, evoking the cheerful jingling of Santa’s sleigh.

Particular attention is drawn to the White House’s main Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Rafanelli described it as a «Carousel of Light», in line with this year’s theme.

«It is illuminated with lights, moving horse figurines, and other accents, such as Willow the cat – the Bidens’ beloved family pet», said Rafanelli.

It’s worth noting that Jill Biden and Bryan Rafanelli’s decorations have been praised for their elegant and thoughtful design. Social media users were quick to compare them with the Christmas decor chosen by Melania Trump during her time as First Lady. For example, in 2018, she commissioned an installation of 40 crimson trees that were widely criticized for appearing more eerie than festive. Perhaps her aesthetic preferences have evolved over the years, and she may surprise us yet in the future!

Photo: @whitehouse