The White House has become known for spreading Christmas joy over the festive season.
Starting with the first decorations in 1898 to the extravagant adornments that deck-out the President’s official residence today, each presidential family has brought their own traditions and customs.
Over the years the President has maintained the tradition of giving gifts to his staff members and White House employees as well as hosting the White House reception for staffers every year.
From the first National Tree to the start of the menorah lighting tradition – here’s a festive round up of first families and the ways in which each put their stamp on the holiday season.
1895: With the compliments of the season’ President-elect William McKinley sitting in a chair, reading a magazine, with a Christmas tree in the background, Puck is standing at the door on the left, with a lithographic pen and a sign that states ‘Public Office is a Public Trust’ that he is presenting to McKinley for his office in the White House
WILLIAM MCKINLEY 1897-1901
William McKinley celebrated four Christmases in the White House while serving as President alongside First Lady Ida Saxton.
Puck magazine – the first comic publication – released a sketch of President-elect McKinley at the White House during the holiday season. In the colorful drawing, the former Ohio representative sat in front of a decorated evergreen Christmas tree while Puck appeared beside him, holding a sign that said ‘Public Office is a Public Trust.’
The White House had been decorated for the first time just two years before his presidency, by President Benjamin Harrison on Christmas morning of 1889.
The McKinley couple lost both of their daughters in the early 1870s due to childhood illness – and Christmas was an emotional day for them because their first daughter Katherine was born on Christmas Day in 1871.
President McKinley and his wife decided to spend the Christmas of 1898 in the White House with several of their friends who visited from Ohio to celebrate.
Mrs. McKinley made a special trip to New York City to buy gifts for all the White House servants and staffers.
The couple attended a church service and enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner with their guests.
In 1899 – the McKinleys were sent what was described by one newspaper as ‘the fattest, juiciest turkey from Rhode Island’ for their Christmas dinner.
The first lady, who was too ill to venture out to purchase presents, made unique and thoughtful gifts for unmarried staff members to show her creative side – while all married staffers received turkeys as part of an ongoing tradition during the time.
During the years around McKinley’s presidency – many American Christmas traditions were born. Christmas cards emerged, decorating Christmas trees became custom, carolers started to sing in public and large meals were enjoyed by groups of family and friends.
WARREN G. HARDING 1921-1923
President Harding only saw two Christmases in the White House – the first of which he and his wife Florence spent in North Carolina.
During the second Christmas that Harding celebrated as President – Florence had recently collapsed with kidney failure and was confined to a wheelchair, meaning the President and First Lady couldn’t celebrate Christmas in Ohio with friends and family as they had hoped.
Christmas cards – which had become a common tradition in most American households – were exchanged between Harding and his friends, family and fellow-politicians.
President Harding only saw two Christmases in the White House – the first of which he and his wife Florence spent in North Carolina. Harding was photographed in 1922 (above) purchasing Christmas seals from a young girl suffering from tuberculosis – however he died before the holiday season and never ended up using the seals for his official White House Christmas cards
Harding sent his sister Abigail a present accompanied by a Christmas note written on White House stationery saying ‘Dear Sister Abigail. Enclosed find a little Christmas gift, a token of a brother’s loving regard. I shall think of you at Xmas time, and I shall have a real regret that I can not celebrate in the atmosphere of home and amid the surroundings of family and friends. My love and good wishes to you.’
In a more controversial gift exchange – Harding sent $250 to his mistress Nan Britton, a former student of his sister.
Harding was photographed in 1923 purchasing Christmas seals from a young girl suffering from tuberculosis – however he died before the holiday season and never ended up using the seals for his official White House Christmas cards.
CALVIN COOLIDGE 1923-1929
On Christmas Eve in 1923 – President Coolidge participated in the first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse.
The tradition created by Coolidge has been unbroken since he lit up the cut balsam fir tree with over 2,500 electric light bulbs in President’s Park South amongst over 6,000 viewers.
Calvin and Grace Coolidge awaited the arrival of their sons John and Calvin Jr., who attended school in Pennsylvania. The First Lady had been present shopping for her sons, but their gifts remained a secret because the boys believed in Santa at the time.
The White House was adorned with holly and mistletoe decorations throughout the first and second floor, while offices in the building were festively decorated with holly wreaths and red ribbons.
On Christmas Eve in 1923 – President Coolidge participated in the first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse. Coolidge is pictured in 1925 spending Christmas with John Coolidge (right) , First Lady Grace Coolidge, and their collies, Prudence Prim and Rob Roy
Mrs. Coolidge spent Christmas Eve distributing food baskets alongside the Salvation Army and also sent 50 bouquets of White House roses with all the shop-workers who helped with her Christmas shopping.
Before adjourning for the day on Christmas Eve – Coolidge sent a messaged to America’s disabled World War I veterans saying ‘The heart of America is with those who made the great sacrifice in defense of our ideals.
At 9pm the Coolidge family attended a caroling service hosted by the D.C. church they attended.
On Christmas morning – the President began his day with a long walk alongside a secret service escort.
The family opened gifts in the Blue Room of the White House and then attended Christmas services at First Congregational Church.
They enjoyed a Christmas dinner – complete with a turkey ‘roasted in true old New England style.
They ended their day by visiting disabled veterans at Walter Reed Hospital and then watching the historical motion picture ‘Abraham Lincoln’ with the patients.
HERBERT HOOVER 1929-1933
The Hoovers continued the tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree – and in 1929 it was decorated with both lights and ornaments for the first time.
After the lighting – the Hoovers hosted a Christmas Eve party for their children and cabinet members – but during the celebration a fire broke out and the West Wing was quickly destroyed.
In 1930 – President Hoover and First Lady Lou were thrilled to have their young grandchildren Peggy-Ann and Peter host a Christmas Eve party at the White House.
The annual lighting of the National Christmas tree took place in Sherman Square – followed by the intimate party.
On Christmas Even in 1930 – President Hoover pressed the button which lit Washington’s community Christmas tree just before he began his brief ‘Merry Christmas’ radio address to Americans from coast to coast
‘After guests had greeted their hosts, all were given cards to match up and find their dinner partners. After dinner, brass bells were passed out to the men and boys and copper candlestick with lit red candles were handed to the ladies,’ an excerpt from a letter written by press secretary George Akerson’s wife Harriet read.
‘The President holding granddaughter Peggy-Ann’s hand and Mrs. Hoover with grandson Peter, led the march through the darkened White House rooms in search of Santa Claus.’
Mrs. Hoover made sure to contribute her efforts to Washington D.C. charities by distributing good and other supplies through the Salvation Army and by completing her holiday shopping at thrift stores to support local charities.
In 1931 – the President and First Lady hosted their grandchildren again, and this time organized a party with over 200 friends who were all asked to bring gifts to donate to children in need.
The 1932 holiday celebrations were dampened by the looming Great Depression, and the Hoover’s young grandchildren weren’t spending Christmas at the White House.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 1933-1945
Franklin Roosevelt spent 10 consecutive Christmases at the White House out of his 12-year-presidency.
The first 10 holidays followed a similar pattern – inspired by past Presidents.
President Roosevelt an First Lady Eleanor would participate in the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve, which took place near Sherman Square during Roosevelt’s presidency.
Franklin Roosevelt spent 10 consecutive Christmases at the White House out of his 12-year-presidency. The first 10 holidays followed a similar pattern – inspired by past Presidents. He is pictured here with his family in 1939
On the same night – they would host a party for all of the White House employees and their family and friends.
The couple gifted all of the White House workers with different presents each year. In 1934 they gave autographed copies of the President’s book On Our Way and other years they gifted pewter pieces like letter openers and paperweights.
When the Roosevelt’s got their puppy – a Scottish Terrier named Fala – they sent out key chains of the dog to staff members.
The Roosevelt family also upheld previous traditions – like the annual Christmas presidential address to the American people and participating in extra charity work during the festive period.
The Roosevelt family also upheld previous traditions – like the annual Christmas presidential address to the American people and participating in extra charity work during the festive period. The President is seen here in 1940 next to children as they sing Christmas carols in the White House
They still celebrated their own Christmas Eve family traditions – including hanging their stocks in the President’s bedroom and reading Charlies Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.
On Christmas Day the President’s grandchildren woke him up early in the morning to open their stockings – which even Fala had one of.
The family attended a church service and then gathered in the afternoon to exchange presents and open some of the gifts the President received from across the country. In 1934 over 6,000 gifts arrived at the White House for the President and his family.
The National Christmas tree is pictured here on December 23, 1937, just north of the White House being decorated by workmen in preparation of its Christmas Eve lighting by President Roosevelt
Christmas dinner was served in the State Dining Room – featuring family favorites such as roasted turkey, chestnut dressing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pineapple salad and calf’s head soup. For dessert it was plum pudding, eggnog, ice cream and a variety of delicious cakes.
After the surprise attack of Pearl Harbor – the Roosevelts tried to continue their Christmas traditions but WWII made the festivities difficult. The family celebrated the final two Christmases of the Roosevelt presidency at their Hyde Park residence in New York.
The National Christmas Tree lighting still happened – but instead of lights, the tree was decorated with ornaments made by local schoolchildren to promote wartime conservation.
HARRY S. TRUMAN 1945-1953
President Truman spent most of his Christmases away from Washington D.C. – his family only celebrated two festive seasons a the White House in 1947 and 1952.
The White House was under a serious renovation during Truman’s presidency and his family was relocated to Blair House, so they usually spent Christmas at the Truman home in Independence, Missouri.
Truman stayed in Washington D.C. for the White House staff Christmas party – one of his favorite traditions.
While the building was under construction – he hosted the party in executive offices of the West Wing.
President Truman returned the bright lights back to the White House’s National Christmas Tree lighting in 1945 – after the tree had remained unlit during WWII.
President Truman spent most of his Christmases away from Washington D.C. – his family only celebrated two Christmases at the White House in 1947 and 1952. President Truman is pictured here receiving two prize turkeys from the poultry and egg National board for his Christmas dinner
President Truman made a plea for peace at the 1946 Christmas Eve lighting of the National Tree on the south grounds of the White House – just a week before the President delivered Proclamation 2714
EISENHOWER 1953-1961
First Lady Mamie Eisenhower loved Christmas – so during Eisenhower’s presidency the White House came to life with festive spirit.
In 1959 Mamie bought 26 Christmas trees – ranging from tabletop trees to an eighteen-foot pine tree that sat in the White House’s East Room.
She would place Santa Claus figures next to busts of famous Americans like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and there were wreaths throughout the house.
The Eisenhower’s maintained the White House staff Christmas Eve party and the National Tree lighting – which the President even continued when he was recovering from his heart attack in 1955 remotely from his Gettysburg farm.
First lady Mamie Eisenhower loved Christmas – so during Eisenhower’s presidency the White House came to life with festive spirit. The Eisenhower family is seen here celebrating Christmas in 1957
In 1959 Mamie bought 26 Christmas trees – ranging from tabletop trees to an eighteen-foot pine tree that sat in the White House’s East Room
The Eisenhower’s maintained the White House staff Christmas Eve party and the National Tree lighting – which the President even continued when he was recovering from his heart attack in 1955 remotely from his Gettysburg farm
JOHN F. KENNEDY 1961-1963
During John F. Kennedy’s Presidency – First Lady Jackie Kennedy transformed the White House Christmas traditions and leveled up the decorations put up during the holidays.
Jackie founded the festive tradition of putting the First Lady in charge or decorating the White House for Christmas – she chose Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker as the theme for the grand Christmas tree in 1961 by putting up elegant decorations that were appealing to everyone.
In 1962 – Jackie chose a children’s-themed tree and used bright packages, candy canes, gingerbread and other ornaments made by senior or disabled craftspeople in the U.S.
She removed the chandelier from the famous Blue Room – one of the three parlors on the first floor of the White House – to accommodate the 18-foot-tree.
It was Jackie who first introduced the giant gingerbread house in the White House which was a main feature of the State Dining Room – based on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale.
Her decorations were simple but elegant and consisted of red and white floral arrangements in the parlors, evergreens, holly and a nativity scene that was set up in the East Room in between portraits of George and Martha Washington – a tradition that is still carried out today.
The Kennedys continued the tradition of the White House Christmas Eve party for staff members and gave each employee a gift.
In 1961 the gift was a photograph of the White House from the South Fountain and in 1962 it was a print of the Red Room – based on a painting by Edward Lehman and autographed by the president and first lady.
On Christmas Day – the Kennedys took part in simple traditions such as opening gifts, attending mass and eating a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
During John F. Kennedy’s Presidency – First Lady Jackie Kennedy transformed the White House Christmas traditions and leveled up the decorations put up during the holidays. President and Mrs. Kennedy are seen here making an appearance at the White House Staff Christmas Party near the Christmas Tree in the Cross Hall on December 12, 1962
In 1962, Jackie chose a children’s-themed tree and used bright packages, candy canes, gingerbread and other ornaments made by senior or disabled craftspeople in the U.S.
Mrs. Kennedy removed the chandelier from the famous Blue Room – one of the three parlors on the first floor of the White House – to accommodate the 18-foot-tree
On Christmas Day – the Kennedys took part in simple traditions such as opening gifts, attending mass and eating a turkey dinner with all the trimmings
On Christmas Day – the Kennedys took part in simple traditions such as opening gifts, attending mass and eating a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy are pictured here posing with their family on Christmas Day at the White House
LYNDON B. JOHNSON 1963-1969
Johnson celebrated his first White House Christmas in office just a month after JFK’s assassination in 1963.
Keeping traditions alive – the former Vice President lit up the National Christmas Tree just thirty days after Kennedy’s death in an especially solemn ceremony.
‘Tonight we come to the end of the season of great national sorrow, and to the beginning of the season of great, eternal joy. We mourn our great President John F. Kennedy, but he would have us go on,’ the new President said at the tree-lighting.
Mrs. Johnson followed in Jackie Kennedy’s footsteps and picked themes for the Christmas tree decorations.
She also started new traditions – including an annual Christmas party for the children of diplomats where children were treated to entertainment, festive foods and free reign over exploring the White House to see the decorations.
Johnson’s daughter Luci hosted a Christmas party for underprivileged children and the President escorted Santa Claus to the event.
For their last Christmas in the White House – the Johnson family created the Children’s Garden on the South Lawn for future grandchildren staying in the house.
The garden featured a small fishpond, child-sized chairs, and plaques of handprints and footprints set into a flagstone terrace.
lady Bird Johnson followed in Jackie Kennedy’s footsteps and picked themes for the Christmas tree decorations. She is pictured here on the eve of her 55th birthday, standing in front of the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 20th
Johnson celebrated his first White House Christmas in office just a month after JFK’s assassination in 1963. He is pictured here Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Wilson and his wife Mary Wilson in front of a Christmas tree in the White House on 17th December 1965
RICHARD NIXON 1969-1974
Richard Nixon’s wife Pat took her role as Christmas coordinator for the White House very seriously.
The Nixons spent five Christmases in the White House and managed to establish traditions that have carried on up until today.
‘At Christmas, the Nixons, more than any previous First Family, allowed their private home to become the most public house in America,’ said chronicler of White House Christmases Mary Evans Seeley.
Richard Nixon’s wife Pat took her role as Christmas coordinator for the White House very seriously. The Nixons spent five Christmases in the White House and managed to establish traditions that have carried on up until today. President Nixon and his family pose here in front of the Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House on Christmas Eve
Mrs. Nixon created the annual Candlelight Tours for the public – an opportunity for Americans to explore the mansion ‘aglow with the magic and spirit of Christmas,’ and crowds of thousands of people poured in to witness the spectacle each night.
‘Before we came to the White House, our friends always looked to us to see what surprises we were going to give them at Christmas, with our decorations, our “open house” party,’ Mrs. Nixon said in an interview about her approach to the holidays with House and Garden magazine.
Mrs. Pat Nixon serves as the tour guide during a press preview of the Christmas decorations in the White House December 11. Here she stands in the Cross hall, decorated with holly and artificial Christmas trees
Even the White House dogs had their own Christmas during Nixon’s Presidency. Posing in the White House library are, left to right: Pasha, Tricia Nixon’s 2 year old Yorkshire terrier; Vicki, Julie Eisenhower’s 7 year old miniature poodle; and King Timahoe, President Nixon’s one year old Irish setter
‘We’ve always tried to make Christmas special and different. At the White House we enjoy giving surprises, too.’
Though several First Ladies before Mrs. Nixon included gingerbread houses in their festivities – she made it an uninterrupted tradition. Her gingerbread house started as a simple 40 pound A-frame structure that perched in the State Dining Room, but the creations have become far more extravagant and elaborate over the years.
On the day that a party was being held for the children of members of the Diplomatic Corps – snowfall prompted Mrs. Nixon to organize a snowman to be built by staff on the South Lawn for the enjoyment of the kids.
According to author Alvin Rosenbaum, ‘Mrs. Nixon outdid her predecessors in Christmas décor, receptions, and entertainments.’
GERALRD R. FORD – 1974-1977
The Fords spent three holiday seasons in the White House – and First Lady Betty Ford made it her mission to deck the mansion’s halls, alongside their four children and other family members.
The President hailed from Michigan – so the family had the official Christmas tree in 1974 was delivered to D.C. from the front yard of Ouina Gardner of Mayville, Michigan.
The Fords spent three holiday seasons in the White House – and First Lady Betty Ford made it her mission to deck the mansion’s halls, alongside their four children and other family members. First Lady Betty Ford is pictured here as she talks with her daughter Susan in December, 1975 as they spend Christmas at the White House, Washington, DC.
Mrs. Ford focused on featuring handmade decorations in the grand house – highlighting themes of conservation and moneysaving practices to set an example for the rest of the country.
She chose an ‘old-fashioned’ Christmas to reflect the way her family had always celebrated.
The Fords maintained the tradition of hosting the children of Diplomatic Corps members – and even invited Santa Claus to join in on the festivities.
‘Both the tree and I never expected to be in the White House,’ President Ford joked at the White House Christmas Ball in 1974. ‘We both came in green. We both were put on a pedestal. And then a little while later – we both got trimmed. unlike that Christmas tree, I’ll still be here in January.’
During their last holiday season in the White House, after Ford lost his bid for reelection, Mrs. Ford said the theme of the season was ‘the love that is the spirit of Christmas.’
Mrs. Ford focused on featuring handmade decorations in the grand house – highlighting themes of conservation and moneysaving practices to set an example for the rest of the country
The President hailed from Michigan – so the family had the official Christmas tree in 1974 was delivered to D.C. from the front yard of Ouina Gardner of Mayville, Michigan. Mrs. Ford chose an ‘old-fashioned’ Christmas to reflect the way her family had always celebrated
JIMMY CARTER 1977-1981
President Carter and his wife Rosalynn upheld most of the traditions set forth by their predecessors.
The pair took to the dance floor at the White House as they hosted a Christmas Ball for members of congress and their wives in 1978.
President and Mrs. Carter decorated the National Christmas tree – which perched in the Blue Room of the White House – with trimming made by disabled men and women of the National Association of Retarded Citizens.
The tree’s ornaments were made from nut pods, eggshells, foil, and painted milkweed pots.
First Lady Carter also reincarnated the White House’s nativity scene and put traditional toys under the Christmas tree for all to see.
President Carter and his wife Rosalynn upheld most of the traditions set forth by their predecessors. They are pictured here with their delighter Amy Carter on December 20, 1977
The pair took to the dance floor at the White House as they hosted a Christmas Ball for members of congress and their wives in 1978
Under Mrs. Carter’s Christmas supervision – the tree’s ornaments were made from nut pods, eggshells, foil, and painted milkweed pots
First Lady Carter also reincarnated the White House’s nativity scene and put traditional toys under the Christmas tree for all to see
President and Mrs. Carter decorated the National Christmas tree – which perched in the Blue Room of the White House – with trimming made by disabled men and women of the National Association of Retarded Citizens
RONALD REAGAN 1981-1989
President Reagan spent eight festive seasons in the White House along with his wife, Nancy Reagan, and their family.
First Lady Reagan organized the themes for all eight Christmases. She chose ornaments by the Museum of American Folk Art in 1981.
Mrs. Reagan arranged for the people of Second Genesis – a drug treatment program in D.C., Maryland and Virginia to held decorate her trees for multiple seasons.
In 1988 – Mrs. Reagan’s ‘old-fashioned’ tree reused hand-blown glass ornaments from the Eisenhower Administration and the Nixon state flower balls from 1969.
During one annual showing of the White House Christmas decorations – First Lady Nancy Reagan and comedian Dom DeLuise, dressed as Santa Claus, dance to ‘Frosty the Snowman’ while the theme that year was ‘Musical Christmas.’
President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan stand in front of the 1987 White House tree, an 18.5-foot Fraser fir. This was the third official White House Christmas tree to come from Eric and Gloria Sundback’s farm in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Mr. T, of the television show the A-Team, posed as Santa Claus to help First Lady Nancy Reagan unveil the White House Christmas decorations
President Reagan spent eight festive seasons in the White House along with his wife, Nancy Reagan, and their family. Here they are joined by their children Patti Davis (right), and Ron Jr. and his wife Doria (left), as they spend Christmas day at the White House
President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan hang ornaments here, made for them by the two Korean children that they brought back from Korea on Air Force One for heart surgery, in their residence on December 24th
Mrs. Reagan arranged for the people of Second Genesis – a drug treatment program in D.C., Maryland and Virginia to held decorate her trees for multiple seasons. The Reagans are pictured here as they host a group of children at the White House
First Lady Nancy Reagan wraps Christmas presents on the floor of the family living quarters on the second floor at the White House
During one annual showing of the White House Christmas decorations – First Lady Nancy Reagan and comedian Dom DeLuise, dressed as Santa Claus, dance to ‘Frosty the Snowman’ while the theme that year was ‘Musical Christmas’
Mrs. Bush hosted a press preview of the decorations at the White House, including 41 Christmas trees, 660 feet of garlands, 245 wreaths, 251 bows and 155,000 lights in Washington, December 2, 2004.
With a chef looking on, First Lady Nancy Reagan is pictured checking on the preparation of dessert offerings for one of the many White House Christmas parties
GEORGE H.W. BUSH – 1985-1993
President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush revived previous White House Christmas traditions and upheld annual rituals during their time in office.
Mrs. Bush decked the White House Christmas tree out with hundreds of white lilies and iridescent garlands.
The First Lady brought First Lady Kennedy’s popular ‘Nutcracker Suite’ back to life during her presidency.
In 1989 – Mrs. Bush chose a theme of ‘family literacy’ for the Blue Room and had staff create 80 soft-sculpture characters from literature to decorate the tree.
That year, the tree was an 18-foot Fraser Fir grown in Spartanburg, Pennsylvania.
President George Bush is pictured reading a Christmas story to his grandchildren on Christmas Eve at the White House in 1991
Mrs. Bush decked the White House Christmas tree out with hundreds of white lilies and iridescent garlands – which the President is pictured here admiring
In a cherrypicker, First Lady Barbara Bush holds her grandson, Walker Bush, as she and American banking executive Joseph H Riley place a star ornament atop of the National Christmas Tree in the Ellipse, Washington DC, December 1, 1992
President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush revived previous White House Christmas traditions and upheld annual rituals during their time in office
BILL CLINTON 1993-2001
During the Clinton’ first holiday season as First Family in 1993 – Hilary Clinton didn’t disappoint with her take on White House traditions.
Mrs. Clinton invited artisans to make ornaments from fiber, ceramics, glass, metal and wood to showcase that year’s theme of ‘American Craft’.
During the Clinton’ first holiday season as First Family in 1993 – Hilary Clinton didn’t disappoint with her take on White House traditions
The Clintons enjoyed a quiet family Christmas and attended Christmas Eve Mass the evening before at the National Cathedral.
President Clinton gave the annual Presidential address – saying peace for children is their ‘greatest wish’.
The President drew massive crowds when he went Christmas gift shopping in New York and Washington.
Over a three week space in 1993 – the Clintons hosted 24 parties and invited an estimated 135,000 guests to see the White House decked out for the holidays.
In 1995 – students made almost 3,5000 ornaments based on the poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ which infamously starts with ‘Twas the night before Christmas.
The same year, the White House chef surprised the First Lady with a gingerbread house replica of her childhood home from the suburbs of Chicago.
In 1997 – Clinton chose a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ theme for the 18.5-foot Fraser Fir from Grassy Creek, North Carolina – which she decked out in ornaments made by the Needlework Association, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and glass artisans.
The gingerbread house featured in the State Dining Room multiplied in 1999 to include a whole village or houses – modeled after the White House, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and the Jefferson Memorial.
For their last year in office – the Clintons chose the theme ‘Holiday Reflections’ for the tree, which they decorated with miniature historic places.
Hillary Clinton shows off the Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a tour of the White House in December 1997. The first lady collaborated with the National Needlework Association, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and glass artisans to create a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ theme, the White House Historical Association reported
The Clintons enjoyed a quiet family Christmas and attended Christmas Eve Mass the evening before at the National Cathedral
Mrs. Clinton invited artisans to make ornaments from fiber, ceramics, glass, metal and wood to showcase that year’s theme of ‘American Craft’
Socks the Cat, the First Pet of President Bill Clinton and First Wife Hillary Rodham Clinton, is pictured posing on top of a red table cloth beside Christmas decorations at the White House, including bows, leaves, wreathes, lights and an angel
Socks is caught perched on an ornate white and gold mantled decorated for the Christmas holiday at the White House, reaching into his navy velvet holiday stocking monogrammed with his name
The gingerbread house featured in the State Dining Room multiplied in 1999 to include a whole village or houses – modeled after the White House, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and the Jefferson Memorial
Santa Claus stands in front of the Presidential seal on the White House State floor December 7, 1998 to unveil the 1998 Christmas decorations. The theme this year was ‘A Winter Wonderland’
The President and Mrs. Clinton read ”A Night Before Christmas” to children at the White House December 22, 1998
The Marine Band performs on the State floor of the White House December 7, 1998 during the review of the 1998 Christmas decorations
Hillary Clinton and French-born American Executive Pasty Chef Roland Mesnier with the traditional White House Christmas gingerbread house in the Senate Dining Room
Over a three week space in 1993 – the Clintons hosted 24 parties and invited an estimated 135,000 guests to see the White House decked out for the holidays
Socks the Cat sits on the First Lady’s lap in a wooden chair in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree in 1995
Hillary Clinton shows off the Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a tour of the White House in December 1997. The first lady collaborated with the National Needlework Association, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and glass artisans to create a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ theme
GEORGE W BUSH 2001-2009
President Bush and his wife Laura took over the White House Christmas hosting duties in 2001.
Like all of their recent predecessors – the couple hosted many parties in the lead-up to Christmas, including the Congressional Ball in the State Room of the White House.
They also drew in other religious holidays and in 2001, President George W. Bush, began the annual tradition of hosting an official White House Hanukkah party.
In 2008 – the Bush’s released a holiday statement thanking their White House staffers for helping them deck out the mansion for the holidays: ‘We are grateful to the White House Executive Residence staff, artists from around the country and many volunteers for decorating the White House red, white and blue!
President Bush and his wife Laura took over the White House Christmas hosting duties in 2001
First Lady Laura Bush is pictured here in the Blue Room, gazing at the official White House Christmas tree during a tour of Christmas decorations at the White House in Washington on December 2, 2004
‘Thanks to their creativity and hard work, this year’s holiday decorations reflect the best of the American spirit.
Bush gave his staffers presents each holiday season to thank them for their work – including hundreds of people involved in the President’s day, from security guards and chauffeurs to cleaners and chefs.
President Bush refused to leave Washington D.C. during the holiday season, and always stayed in the White House right up until the day after Christmas.
For Laura Bush’s first Christmas Tree theme – she chose ‘Home for the Holidays’, followed up by ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, ‘A Season of Stories’, ‘A Season of Merriment and Melody’, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, ‘Deck the Halls and Welcome All’, ‘Holiday in the National Parks’ and lastly ‘A Red, White and Blue Christmas’.
Each of the trees stood in the blue room and they were a mixture of different kinds of fir trees from all over the country.
For Laura Bush’s first Christmas Tree theme – she chose ‘Home for the Holidays’, followed up by ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, ‘A Season of Stories’, ‘A Season of Merriment and Melody’, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, ‘Deck the Halls and Welcome All’, ‘Holiday in the National Parks’ and lastly ‘A Red, White and Blue Christmas’
The Bushes gave their staffers presents each holiday season to thank them for their work – including hundreds of people involved in the President’s day, from security guards and chauffeurs to cleaners and chefs
A table of sweets lay out during the White House Holiday decorations preview, hosted by United States First Lady Laura Bush at the White House
First lady Laura Bush shows the ginger bread White House with Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier during a media preview of the 2006 holiday decorations at the White House
Each of the Christmas trees stood in the blue room and they were a mixture of different kinds of fir trees from all over the country
Laura Bush hosted a media preview of White House Christmas decorations on State Floor including East Room, State Dining Room, Blue Room, Grand Foyer and Cross Hall with holiday songs being the theme. Cross Hall with frosted trees
Holiday decorations fill the Grand Foyer entrance at the White House. United States First Lady Laura Bush hosted a press preview of the decorations at the White House, including 19 Christmas trees, 660 feet of garlands, 245 wreaths, 251 bows, 70,000 lights and 43 paper mache storybook figures, along with a giant gingerbread White House
First Lady Laura Bush, right, receives the White House Christmas tree with the children of the Botek family and, to her left, Francis and Francis Botek and their son Chris Botek, at the North Portico of the White House
BARACK OBAMA 2009 – 2017
During President Obama’s two-term Presidency – Michelle Obama stepped up to the plate of being a phenomenal host to all of the White House’s festive traditions.
The White House saw lots of decorative trees throughout the entire mansion and many other creative decorations popped up over the years – including statues of Bo and Sunny, the family dogs.
For their first year in office – the Obamas picked out a Douglas fir from Shepherdstown, West Virginia and decked it out according to the theme ‘Reject, Rejoice, Renew.’
During President Obama’s two-term Presidency – Michelle Obama stepped up to the plate of being a phenomenal host to all of the White House’s festive traditions
‘We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House,’ the First Lady said.
From 2011 to 2015 – each tree was decorated in theme of tributes to veterans and U.S. military members.
In 2016, for their final year in office – the Obamas decorated the tree with ribbon garland featuring iconic words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
Barack and Michelle Obama along with their two daughter Sacha and Malia took part in the annual national Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and continued to host the party for White House staff members.
Holiday decorations adorn the White House on December 1, 2010, in Washington, DC
First Lady Michelle Obama makes holiday ornaments and cards with U.S. military families at the White House on December 1, 2010
First Lady Michelle Obama and the White House pastry chefs help children of the Blue and Gold Star families make ornaments, during the White House Holiday Preview on November 30, 2011
The White House Christmas tree is brought to the North Portico at White House on November 29, 2013
The White House saw lots of decorative trees throughout the entire mansion and many other creative decorations popped up over the years
The 2016 holiday decor at the White House East Entrance included larger than life replicas of Bo and Sunny who have gotten into the presents made of more than 25,000 yarn pom-poms
First Lady Michelle Obama with Bo and Sunny in The State Dining Room
Bo and Sunny were always included in the Obama family’s holiday celebrations
The National Christmas Tree stands in front of the White House in Washington, D.C on December 11, 2009
More than 7.500 strands of ribbon in a myriad of colors hang with sparkling crystal ornaments in the East Colonnade, as part of the 2016 holiday decor at the White House
First Lady Michelle Obama pictured as she addresses U.S. military families at the White House on December 1, 2010
For their first year in office – the Obamas picked out a Douglas fir from Shepherdstown, West Virginia and decked it out according to the theme ‘Reject, Rejoice, Renew.’
The Green Room of the White House is inspired by The First Ladys Lets Move! initiative, representing The Gift of Good Health. The room features fruits and pollinators, representing healthy eating. Wreaths made of lemons and garlands made of limes lining the walls, for the 2016 holiday decor
The Library in the White House is decorated with the theme: ‘The Gift of Education’, highlighting the more than 2,700 books housed there. Rulers rim the base of the holiday trees while crayons and pencils create additional standalone trees. The colorful ornaments on display spell out the word girls in 12 different languages, paying homage to the First Ladys Let Girls Learn initiative
More than 7.500 strands of ribbon in a myriad of colors hang with sparkling crystal ornaments in the East Colonnade, as part of the 2016 holiday decor
In the the Lower Cross Hall on the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House, was turned into a winter wonderland, complete with snowball arches created from more than 6,000 ornaments, with countless snowmen lining the corridor
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, their daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson light the National Christmas Tree at the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in President’s Park on December 6, 2013
The Vermeil Room is decorated with inspiration from the portraits lining the walls, First Lady Johnson hangs over the fireplace, the room features pastel-toned ornaments in ballerina pinks and pearl garlands adorning the trees
The State Dining Room pictured during the 2014 White House Christmas first viewing of the holiday decorations at the White House
First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes military families to the White House for the first viewing of the 2015 holiday decorations. The First Lady helps kids with Christmas Craft Projects
Details of a marzipan and white chocolate covered gingerbread house sculpture of the executive mansion, on display in the State Dining Room
White House pastry chef Bill Yosses shows off a gingerbread house of the executive mansion, on display in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. The 390-pound work of culinary art was covered in white chocolate and had a marzipan replica of family dog, Bo
Wreaths of pine and stained glass cover windows in a long hallway leading to the East Garden room as the First Lady welcomes military families to share in the White House holiday decoration unveiling of 2012
DONALD TRUMP 2017-2021
Melania Trump took an elegant yet extravagant approach to decking out the White House for the holiday season.
The hallways and rooms of the mansion were full of hundreds of trees – all decorated with elegant twinkly lights and uniform ornaments.
Former First Lady Melania Trump is pictured as she reviews the White House Christmas decorations December 1,2019, in the Cross Hall of the White House
In 2018, Mrs. Trump made a highly criticized decision to cover the White House in blood-red Christmas trees – which social media compared to decor from ‘The Shining’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.
She also included wreath made from sharpened pencils bearing the ‘Be Best’ motto of the first lady’s drive against bullying.
Donald and Melania Trump chose the Christmas tree – always a type of fir – each year
Melania Trump took an elegant yet extravagant approach to decking out the White House for the holiday season
The hallways and rooms of the mansion were full of hundreds of trees – all decorated with elegant twinkly lights and uniform ornaments
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump arrive with their children at the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse November 30, 2017
The family followed tradition and attended the National Christmas Tree lighting each year
Melania Trump looks at the ornaments on the Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House December 1, 2019, during a review of the Christmas decorations
In 2017 – the Trumps hosted 20 holiday receptions, welcoming in a total of 25,000 guests to the White House.
Over 150 volunteers and staffers wrapped 53 Christmas trees with 18,000 feet of twinkle lights and hung more than 12,000 ornaments on their branches, according to the former first lady’s office.
Over 31,000 Christmas cookies were cut and a 350-pound gingerbread version of the presidential mansion was created.
The family followed tradition and attended the National Christmas Tree lighting each year.
‘Today is a day that I’ve been looking very much forward to all year long,” Trump said at the 95th annual lighting in 2017. ‘It’s one that we’ve heard and we speak about and we dream about and now, as the president of the United States, it’s my tremendous honor to now wish America and the world a very Merry Christmas.’
The China Room of the White House is seen decorated for the Christmas season
The Trumps hosted up to 20 holiday receptions, welcoming in a total of 25,000 guests to the White House, during their time in office
The Red Room is seen with Christmas decorations at the White House in 2020. That year’s theme, America the Beautiful, was a tribute to the ‘majesty of our great Nation’
In 2018 – Mrs. Trump made a highly criticized decision to cover the White House in blood-red Christmas trees – which social media compared to decor from ‘The Shining’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
JOE BIDEN 2021 – PRESENT
This year – the White House expects to welcome over 100,000 visitors throughout the holiday season and first lady Jill Biden announced the 2023 theme on November 27: ‘The Magic, Wonder, and Joy of the Holidays’.
‘The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays,’ the President and First Lady wrote.
This year – the White House expects to welcome over 100,000 visitors throughout the holiday season and first lady Jill Biden announced the 2023 theme on November 27: ‘The Magic, Wonder, and Joy of the Holidays’
‘The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays,’ the President and First Lady wrote
Christmas stockings decorate the fireplace mantle in the State Dining Room of the White House on November 28, 2022. The Bidens have opted to spend Christmas at the White House instead of returning home to Wilmington, Delaware throughout the President’s term so far
Jill Biden decked the White House in vibrant and colorful decorations and even released a video in which characters from the Nutcracker danced around the White House.
The Bidens have opted to spend Christmas at the White House instead of returning home to Wilmington, Delaware throughout the President’s term so far.
President Biden and his wife have visited hospitals and charities in Washington D.C. on past Christmas Days and upheld the tradition of hosting a Christmas Eve party for White House staffers to say thanks for their hard work.
Joe Biden looks at a Christmas tree decorated with photos of White House first families in the State Dining Room
President Biden and his wife have visited hospitals and charities in Washington D.C. on past Christmas Days and upheld the tradition of hosting a Christmas Eve party for White House staffers to say thanks for their hard work
Jill Biden decked the White House in vibrant and colorful decorations and even released a video in which characters from the Nutcracker danced around the White House