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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 Nixon administration's choice of tree topper, the atomic symbol of peace rather than a traditional star, was criticized.[16]
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]
Official list (1961–2023)
| Image | Year | Species and location grown | Ornamentation notes | First Lady | Location | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2023 | Fraser fir, Fleetwood, North Carolina[34] | 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] | Jill Biden | Blue Room | Magic, Wonder, and Joy[35] |
|
2022 | Concolor fir, Auburn, Pennsylvania[36] | 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] | Jill Biden | Blue Room | We the People[37] |
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|
2021 | Fraser fir, Jefferson, North Carolina[38] | 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] | Jill Biden | Blue Room | Gifts from the Heart[39] |
|
2020 | Fraser fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia[40] | 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] | Melania Trump | Blue Room | America the Beautiful[42] |
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|
2019 | Douglas fir, Pitman, Pennsylvania[43] | 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] | Melania Trump | Blue Room | The Spirit of America[44] |
|
2018 | Fraser fir, Newland, North Carolina[45] | 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] | Melania Trump | Blue Room | American Treasures[46] |
|
2017 | Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin[47] | 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] | Melania Trump | Blue Room | Time-Honored Traditions[48] |
|
2016 | Douglas fir, Oconto, Wisconsin[49] | 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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | The Gift of the Holidays[51] |
|
2015 | Fraser fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania[52] | 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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | A Timeless Tradition[53] |
|
2014 | Concolor fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania[54][55] | 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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | A Children's Winter Wonderland[56] |
|
2013 | Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania[57][58] | 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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | Gather Around: Stories of the Season[60] |
|
2012 | Fraser fir, Jefferson, North Carolina[61] | Tree dedicated to U.S. military members, veterans and their families. Ornaments were decorated by children living on U.S. military bases worldwide.[62] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | Joy to All[62] |
|
2011 | Balsam fir, Neshkoro, Wisconsin[63] | Medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches were displayed on ornaments.[64] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room[63] | Shine, Give, Share[64] |
|
2010 | Douglas fir,[65] Lehighton, Pennsylvania[66] | 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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room[65] | "Simple Gifts"[68] |
|
2009 | Douglas fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia[69] | "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] | Michelle Obama | Blue Room[69] | Reflect, Rejoice, Renew[70] |
|
2008 | Fraser fir, Crumpler, North Carolina[71] | Ornaments designed by artists from around the country selected by members of Congress. The ornaments had a patriotic theme.[71] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[71] | A Red, White, and Blue Christmas[71] |
|
2007 | Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina[72] | Each ornament represented one of the 391 National Park Service sites.[25] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[25] | Holiday in the National Parks[72] |
|
2006 | Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania[73] | Crystals and ornaments of iridescent glass[73] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[73] | Deck the Halls and Welcome All[73] |
|
|
2005 | Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina[74] | White lilies, crystal spheres and light-catching garland[74] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[74] | All Things Bright and Beautiful[74] |
|
2004 | Noble fir, Rochester, Washington[75] | Musical instruments hand-painted by members of the Society of Decorative Painters.[75] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[25] | A Season of Merriment and Melody[25] |
|
2003 | Fraser fir, Wisconsin[76] | The tree features ornaments first used by Barbara Bush in 1989.[76] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[76] | A Season of Stories[76] |
|
|
2002 | Noble fir, Elma, Washington[77][78] | An artist from each state designed an ornament based on a native bird.[77] | Laura Bush | Blue Room | All Creatures Great and Small[77] |
|
2001 | Concolor fir, Middleburg, Pennsylvania[79] | An artist from each state designed miniature replicas of historic houses from their region.[79] | Laura Bush | Blue Room[79] | Home for the Holidays[80] |
|
2000 | Douglas fir, Auburn, Pennsylvania[31] | Ornaments were from the First Lady's past.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[81] | Holiday Reflections[81] |
|
1999 | Noble fir, Elma, Washington[82] | Doll makers fashioned toys of American historical figures for this tree.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[82] | Holiday Treasures at the White House[81] |
|
1998 | Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin[83] | Knitting Guild of America and the Society of Decorative Painters worked together with fabric artists from each state on the ornaments.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[84] | Winter Wonderland[81] |
|
1997 | Fraser fir,[26] Grassy Creek, North Carolina[85] | Members of the National Needlework Association and Council of Fashion Designers of America joined with glass artisans to design the trimmings.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[86] | Santa's Workshop[81] |
|
1996 | Colorado blue spruce, Coshocton, Ohio[87] | Woodcraft artisans and professional ballet companies helped with the ornaments.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[87] | Nutcracker Suite[81] |
|
1995 | Fraser fir, North Carolina[17] | Ornaments contributed by American architecture students and members of the American Institute of Architects.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[88] | A Visit From St. Nicholas[81] |
|
1994 | Blue spruce, Missouri[89] | Ornaments contributed by American art students.[81] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[81] | The Twelve Days of Christmas[81] |
|
1993 | Fraser fir, North Carolina[89] | More than 1,000 artists contributed angel-themed ornaments.[90] | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room[90] | Angels[90] |
|
1992 | Grand fir,[89] Oregon[91] | White House florists made 88 gift-giving characters.[92] | Barbara Bush | Blue Room[91] | Gift-givers[92] |
|
1991 | Noble fir, Salem, Oregon[93] | Saintly Stitchers of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston created a needlepoint village and 92 pieces for a White House staff built Noah's Ark.[92] | Barbara Bush | Blue Room[93] | Needle work tree[92] |
|
1990 | Fraser fir, North Carolina[89] | Used miniature porcelain dancers.[92] | Barbara Bush | Blue Room[25] | Nutcracker Suite[92] |
|
1989 | Fraser fir, Pennsylvania[89] | White House staff created 80 soft-sculpture literary characters.[92] | Barbara Bush | Blue Room[92] | Family literacy[92] |
|
1988 | Balsam fir, Montello, Wisconsin[94] | Reused hand-blown glass ornaments from the Eisenhower administration, and reused Nixon's state flower balls. White House carpenters made 300 wood candles.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[94] | Old-fashioned tree[95] |
|
1987 | Fraser fir, West Virginia[89] | Miniature instruments, notes and sheet music made by patients at Second Genesis, drug-treatment program.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[96] | Musical theme[95] |
|
1986 | Fraser fir, Washington[89] | 15 soft-sculpture nursery rhyme scenes and 100 geese made by patients at Second Genesis, drug-treatment program.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[97] | Mother Goose theme[95] |
|
1985 | Blue spruce, Lake City, Michigan[89][98] | 1,500 Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis, drug-treatment program.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[99] | Ornaments made from Christmas cards sent to the Reagans in 1984[95] |
|
1984 | Fraser fir, North Carolina[89] | Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis, drug-treatment program.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[100] | Ornaments made from plant material and other handcrafted natural ornaments.[95] |
|
1983 | Noble fir, Orting, Washington[101] | Reused 1982 ornaments and added old-fashioned toys lent by Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[101] | Old-Fashioned toys.[95] |
|
1982 | Fraser fir, North Carolina[89] | Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis, drug-treatment program.[95] | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room[102] | Foil paper cones and metallic snowflakes[95] |
|
1981 | Zdroj:https://en.wikipedia.org?pojem=White_House_Christmas_tree