America's first family will celebrate its first White House Christmas with a nod to tradition, as First Lady Melania Trump gives a personal touch to the annual celebrations.
In fact, this year's theme - 'Time-Honoured Traditions' - was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to mark 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.
"The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House," the First Lady said.
Throughout December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours.
"As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People's House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season," the First Lady said today as the White House previewed the decorations.
The highlight is the Christmas Tree which has come from Endeavor, Wisconsin. Measuring 18 feet and six inches tall, it features ornaments bearing seals from every state and territory.
This year's gingerbread house highlights First Ladys vision for classic Christmas decor and reflects the southern exterior of the Executive Residence with her signature wreaths.
More than 150 volunteers from 29 states spent 1,600 hours in decoration of the White House this year. In addition to the main Christmas tree, there are 53 other Christmas trees of various shapes and sizes and as many as 71 signature wreaths of the First Lady have been used, along with more than 1,000 feet of garlands, 18,000 feet of lights, more than 12,000 ornaments and more than 3,100 years of ribbon.
For the several thousand guests who would be visiting the White House during the month-long Christmas celebrations at the White House, as many as 36 chefs and pastry chefs have been pressed into service.
They have baked 31,000 cookies, 15,000 sugar cookies, 6,000 snowflake cookies, 4,000 First Lady star cookies, 2,000 Pecan Butterballs, 2,000 Walnut Thumbprints and Hazelnut Linzer bars.
The gingerbread house required 200 lbs of baked dough, 100 lbs of pastillage dough, 5 lbs of gum paste, 20 lbs of chocolate and 20 lbs of icing.
In the East Wing, visitors will find a tribute to armed forces members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon.
Visitors here would be encouraged to write a message to their loved ones who are on duty or abroad on the digital tablets provided.
After passing through the East colonnade, visitors will see the China Room, which honours the holiday traditions of dining and hospitality.
The room is set up for a family Christmas dinner, with the table displaying the china from President Ronald Reagan.
Then, visitors will see the Library, which features President Franklin D Roosevelt's 1866 edition of 'A Christmas Carol', as they recall the time-honoured custom of reading Christmas stories to loved ones.
On the State Floor of the White House, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall celebrated the first themed White House Christmas, which was the 'Nutcracker Suite' in 1961.
The Green Room honours the festivities of crafts, paper, and classic design. The Blue Room holds the official White House Christmas tree, which is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each state and territory.
The Red Room hosts delightful holiday treats, and has been decorated with peppermints, candy, and cookies. The State Dining Room holds a traditional gingerbread house, which depicts the south facade of the White House and features the first lady's signature Christmas wreaths.
President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams hosted the first White House Christmas party in December, 1800.
It was in 1953 that President Dwight D Eisenhower sent the first official White House Christmas card. This year marks the 50th year on display of the White House creche in the East Room.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
