Christmas at the White House took on new meaning the year my husband went on staff via military appointment to serve on the National Security Council. While we had always shared a patriotic spirit and love of early American history, we were quite suddenly immersed into the glamour and excitement of life in the executive branch. Whether we were taking in the opera or ballet from the President’s Box at the Kennedy Center, or guests of the President for Christmas Staff Luncheon at iconic Blair House, or even bowling with family and friends in the basement of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, this was a memorable season for our budding family; and nothing was (or has continued to be) more memorable than taking in Christmas at the White House each year.
Through the Years
While I one day hope to share a full photographic tour, what I’ve compiled here is a brief overview, with favorite images through the years from our personal archives, dating back as far as the Obama administration to as recently as the Trump administration.
Above: The Green Room, Paying Tribute to American Wildlife. “Birds and butterflies flock and flutter throughout the Green Room, magnifying the beauty of American wildlife. Vignettes in the windows showcase the diversity of creatures that find refuge among our native landscape.” (Holiday room descriptions via the 2020 Holiday Visitors Booklet.)
2021 Official Ornament
This year’s Official White House Ornament commemorates the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
White House Pop-Up Book
This Pop-Up Book is a favorite with our children and features the Gingerbread White House!
North Door Ornament
This lovely Felt Ornament featuring the iconic North Door of the White House and is so GLAM!
A Few Favorites
Above: The Blue Room, A Dedication to the Children of our Great Nation. “The official White House Christmas tree shined brightly with the mini-masterpieces of children who were asked to 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 Gingerbread House: “This delectable wonder replicates the West Wing, Executive Residence, East Wing, and for the first time, the Rose Garden and the First Ladies’ Garden.”
Below: The Red Room, Saluting America’s Everyday Heroes. “The Red Room salutes America’s everyday heroes who serve as first responders and frontline workers. Additionally, and a beloved tradition since 1975, the cranberry tree stands proud among felt-crafted scenes and evergreens.”
Who is the Fairest of them all?
This season and every season, ’twas I the “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” the State Dining Room would come in as my personal favorite. Last Christmas, this iconic room commemorated the recent completion of the restoration of the Rose Garden, with roses en masse everywhere — Truly magical!!!
White House Favorites
