The White House Christmas Tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official indoor Christmas tree at the residence of the president of the United States, the White House. The first indoor Christmas tree was installed in the White House sometime in the 19th century (there are varying claims as to the exact year) and since 1961 the tree has had a themed motif at the discretion of the First Lady of the United States.
History
First tree
There are two claims to the "first" genuine White House Christmas tree. President Franklin Pierce is said to have had the first indoor Christmas tree at the White House during the 1850s,[1] variously reported as 1853[2] or 1856.[3] More credible sources state that it was, in fact, President Benjamin Harrison's who had the first indoor tree (either in 1888,[4] 1889,[5][6] or 1891[1]). First Lady Caroline Harrison helped decorate the tree, which was installed in the second floor oval parlor, today's Yellow Oval Room.[5] There is an 1880 reference to President John Tyler in the 1840s, hosting a children's party at which there was a Christmas tree with gifts.[7]
General
Following the Harrison administration indoor trees were not always used at the White House. First Lady Lou Henry Hoover began the tradition of presidential wives decorating the White House tree with the first "official" White House Christmas tree in 1929.[5] In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the White House Christmas tree by decorating with a Nutcracker motif.[8]
Years without a tree
As stated, there were years where no indoor White House Christmas tree was installed at all. It is verifiable that there was no Christmas tree in the White House in 1902,[9] 1904,[10] 1907,[11] and 1922.[12] The lack of a tree in 1902 was due to the fact that President Theodore Roosevelt had not ordered one by December 23.[9]
Additionally, other presidents never displayed a tree in the White House. First U.S. President George Washington held office at a time when there was no White House, thus it is impossible for him to have displayed a tree there.[13] There is no evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever displayed a Christmas tree in the White House.[14] In 1922, First Lady Florence Harding's illness led to a more subdued Christmas celebration at the White House and no Christmas tree.[12]
Controversy
In 1899 the White House of President William McKinley received letters urging the president to forgo participation in the "Christmas tree habit".[15] The letter writers, which the Chicago Daily Tribune noted had taken up the "forestry fad", referred to "arboreal infanticide", according to the Tribune.[15] Those opposed to a tree in the White House that year also termed Christmas trees "un-American" because it was a historically German tradition.[15] At least one tree was displayed in the White House that year, in the kitchen department, for the maids.[15]
The 1995 Blue Room Christmas tree sought ornaments made by architecture students from across the United States.[17] Contest winner Rene Spineto designed an ornament that depicted two stockings, one marked "Bill" filled with candy and presents, and the other marked "Newt" filled with coal.[17] The Clinton administration hung the ornament on the tree without censorship.[17]
In his 1998 book Unlimited Access, published by conservative publishing house Regnery Publishing, former FBI agent Gary Aldrich claimed that the Clinton administration decorated the 1994 White House Christmas Tree with condoms and drug paraphernalia.[18]George Stephanopoulos called the book a "work of fiction";[19] it has also been called "infamous".[20]
In 2008, one of the ornaments designed by a Seattle artist, Deborah Lawrence, was rejected for inclusion on the Blue Room Christmas Tree.[21] The rejected ornament was a red and white striped 9-inch (23 cm) ball with the words "Impeach Bush" emblazoned on it.[21] The ornament was the only one of about 370 submitted that was rejected.[21]
Tree
Description
The White House Christmas tree is selected from various growers nationwide.[22]Growers in the state of North Carolina have provided 15 trees, more than any other state.[23] The state of Pennsylvania has the second-highest total of trees provided for the White House with 11, as of 2023.[24] The White House Christmas tree has been displayed in the Blue Room many times since 1961. It has also occasionally been displayed in the Entrance Hall.[8][25]
Generally, there is more than one Christmas tree in and around the White House, for instance, in 1997 there were 36,[26] in 2008 there were 27.[27] Traditionally, the tree in the Blue Room is the official White House Christmas tree.[26][28] The White House Christmas tree usually stands nearly 20 feet (6.1 m) tall and the crystal chandelier in the Blue Room must be removed for the tree to fit the room.[28] Frequently, the tree's height is reported as 18 feet (5.5 m)[29][30] or 18.5 feet (5.6 m) tall.[31][32] The Blue Room tree is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA).[28] The NCTA has donated the tree since 1966;[33] it is chosen through a contest among members of the trade group.[33]
The 2023 White House Holiday Display is designed to capture the pure, unfiltered delight and imagination of childhood, to encourage visitors to reflect on this time of year with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the season. The stunning tree celebrates cheerful scenes, landscapes, and neighborhoods from all across the country, with names of every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, showcased throughout the decor. With bright colors and three-dimensional elements, guests will gaze in wonder as they are taken on a delightful adventure around the tree. A replica of a vintage passenger train, on loan from the Train Collectors Association, magically weaves through the tree’s base.[35]
This year's holidays at the White House capture the spirit embodied in the very idea of America: We the People. The People's House's rooms are full of history and holiday décor and the mirrored ornaments and reflective lights, make you feel at home and find yourself in the great story of America. The official White House Christmas tree includes handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.[37]
This year's theme is inspired by the small acts of kindness and experiences that lifted America's spirits this year and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Room, featuring the Official White House Christmas Tree, celebrates the Gift of Peace and Unity. Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner embossed with the names of each state and territory of the United States, reminding us all of the importance of unity and national harmony.[39]
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 their state. Glistening on the branches of this Fraser fir, their mini masterpieces collectively showcase America.[41]
The decorations celebrate the courageous individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive. This year's official Christmas tree paid homage to the distinctive floral emblem of every state and territory.[44]
The official White House Christmas tree was trimmed with blue velvet ribbon embroidered in gold with each state and territory. The theme displays many splendors found across the United States.[46]
The Blue Room tree was decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each state and territory. The theme pays respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.[48]
This Blue Room tree celebrates "We the People". It is decorated with ribbon garland featuring iconic words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Ornaments featured images of American families, farmers, and service members, reflecting the United States by diversity and strengthened by a shared spirit of hope and optimism.[50]
The Blue Room tree was "dedicated to our nation's service members, veterans, and their families, it is ornamented with holiday messages of hope for our troops and patriotic symbols of red, white, and blue."[53]
The Blue Room Tree had a theme within the overall theme - "America the Brave". Ornaments were made by children on U.S. military bases worldwide. The ornaments included many thank-you cards from children to members of the U.S. military.[56]
Ornaments paid tribute to military families. Children living on military bases contributed greeting cards in the shape of their home state. Those were hung from the tree along with round ornaments that silhouetted each state and territory.[59]
Tree dedicated to U.S. military members, veterans and their families. Ornaments were decorated by children living on U.S. military bases worldwide.[62]
The Blue Room tree had a specific theme within the overall theme – "Gift of the American Spirit."[67] It honored state and county fairs and featured prize ribbons from each state and territory.[68]
"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."[70]
Reused hand-blown glass ornaments from the Eisenhower administration, and reused Nixon's state flower balls. White House carpenters made 300 wood candles.[95]
Used ornaments from 1974 plus experts from Colonial Williamsburg made ornaments from paper snowflakes, acorns, dried fruits, pine-cones, vegetables, straw, cookies and yarn.[110]
Of the 26 trees there were trees in the laundry room, the maid's sitting room and David Eisenhower had his own private tree in the children's quarters.[115]
Elliot Roosevelt: ". . . the Christmas tree was in place and decorated, the piles of presents were ready for the unwrapping – each person's pile heaped on a separate chair."[126]
Multiple trees were installed in the White House, some for public viewing and others for private enjoyment of the Roosevelts.[130] A large tree was installed in the White House East Room.[131]
Tree decorated and set up by Archie Roosevelt, as the only member of the family who had "a fondness" for Christmas trees he distributed the presents "through this medium".[141]
Edith Roosevelt
1903
Tree decorated solely by young Archie Roosevelt.[142]
Edith Roosevelt
Living Room (The President's Den)[142][143] (then Archie Roosevelt's bedroom)[142][143]
1896
Decorated with red, white and blue electric lights.[144] The decorating was supervised by Mrs. Cleveland and included tinsel ornaments and toys.[15]
Glass balls and pendants, gold tinsel.[150] Four-sided-lanterns[150] used candles used for lighting.[5] Credited as the first White House Christmas tree though the claim is disputed (see above).
Decorated for a group of Washington, D.C. school children.[151] Credited as the first White House Christmas tree though the claim is disputed (see above).
^ abcdDecatur Republican, December 27, 1888, page 6, Mrs. Cleveland has returned to Washington from the Quaker City. And it is asserted that despite the late disaster to his business, Grover did not reduce her allowance of pin money, with which she purchased what-ever trinkets, she deemed indispensable, for the decoration of the Christmas tree at the White House. And when the doors of the famous East Room are thrown open next Monday night there will be a tree laden with gifts, for most of the prominent people about Washington.
^"WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS PLANS :Members of President's Family Will Observe Day Without Formality—Possum for Dinner.. ", (ProQuest link, Chicago Daily Tribune (1872–1922), p.6., December 25, 1907, accessed November 5, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1987).
^Friend, Daniel. "White House tree gift of Sundbacks", The Shepherdstown Chronicle, October 23, 2009, accessed October 16, 2010. "By Christmas 1987 – the third time they provided the tree for the Blue Room . . ."
^"Nancy Reagan Takes First Look at White House Christmas Tree, (Photo caption), UPI News Photos Archive, 1982 photo slideshow, UPI.com, accessed October 16, 2010. "First Lady Nancy Reagan takes her first look at the 24-foot Fraser Fir, the 1982 White House Christmas Tree. The tree grown in Ashe County, North Carolina, will stand in the Blue Room."
^ ab"Holidays 2013, whitehouse.gov, slideshow at bottom of page: "Photos: Holidays at the White House Through the Years" - The Nixon Holidays, 2013, accessed November 13, 2014.
^Mme. Z. "WASHINGTON SOCIETY" ([ProQuest link] pdf)), Chicago Daily Tribune (1872–1922), December 24, 1916, p. C8, accessed November 5, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1987).
^Staff. "WILSONS HELP POOR CHILDREN :President and Daughter Send Many Gifts to Little Ones.." (ProQuest link )), Chicago Daily Tribune (1872–1922), p. 3, December 25, 1915, accessed November 5, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1987).
^"S0CIETY AT NATION'S CAPITAL :President and Mrs. Roosevelt Will Entertain More than Fifty at Luncheon on Christmas.." (ProQuest link), Chicago Daily Tribune (1872–1922), p.9, December 23, 1908, accessed November 5, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1987).
^"HAPPY HOLIDAY AT WHITE HOUSE :Younger Members of Roosevelt Family Lead in Christmas Festivities. CABINET MEMBERS HOSTS. Children's Party at Cuban Legation Adds to the Joy and Cheer. Roosevelts Out for Luncheon. Children's Party Largely Attended..", (ProQuest link ) Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 8, accessed November 5, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1987).