First Lady Melania Trump will not be having a blue Christmas this year, as the newly decorated White House halls will be donning red Christmas trees.
According to a statement from the White House, the theme of this year’s decor is “American Treasures,” honoring and recognizing the United States’ “unique heritage.”
“This is a joyous time of year when we decorate the White House for the Christmas Season,” the first lady said. “Our theme honors the heart and spirit of the American people. Thank you to the many volunteers and staff who worked hard to decorate the halls of the People’s House in Christmas cheer. On behalf of my family, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Melania Trump shared a video of the recently decorated White House on Twitter, writing, “The People’s House @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season!”
The People’s House @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season! pic.twitter.com/oejKW3mC15
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 26, 2018
The decorations center around the official White House Christmas Tree, an 18-foot Fraser Fir on display in the Blue Room. The North Carolina tree has over 500 feet of blue velvet ribbon encompassing it, with each state and territory’s name embroidered on it.
The State Dining room is showcasing gingerbread houses resembling the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and the White House.
Personalized family touches can be seen throughout the White House decorations, whether its soccer ball ornaments (a nod to Barron’s favorite sport) or “Be Best” ornaments, showcasing Melania’s initiative. There are also wreaths made from “Be Best” pencils in windows, also a nod to her initiative.
The East Room gives a nod to Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in the military. The Gold Star tree is in honor of those that have served, and the families that stood behind them. The White House also set up tablets to let visitors write messages to their loved ones who are currently serving in the military.
Melania also introduced a new tradition this year: adorning each White House window with a wreath.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the White House,” Darlene Superville, a White House reporter for the Associated Press tweeted. “A wreath on every window is a new tradition introduced by @FLOTUS.”
Forgot to share this last night. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the White House. A wreath on every window is a new tradition introduced by @FLOTUS. pic.twitter.com/e0EO1h34s0
— darlene superville (@dsupervilleap) November 21, 2018
The White House published several images to their Flickr page after the First Lady finished decorating:
To check out more photos of the White House decor click here.