WASHINGTON — Melania Trump revealed the White House holiday decorations on Monday, marking her first Christmas since returning to the role of first lady. The theme for this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is," which also pays tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.

This year’s decorations include a significant change: the official White House Christmas tree, typically displayed in the East Wing, now honors Gold Star families—those who have lost a member during active military service. The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for a new ballroom, a project initiated by President Donald Trump.

The East Room features decorations in patriotic red, white, and blue, along with national symbols such as golden eagle tree toppers. The White House issued a statement emphasizing that Christmas is a time to celebrate the unique qualities of the U.S. and that shared values unite Americans. "In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude," the statement read. "These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is."

Planning for the holiday decorations began months in advance, with Melania Trump personally selecting every detail. Public tours of the White House, which had been suspended due to construction, are set to resume on Tuesday. However, the tours will follow a limited route that includes the State Floor, which consists of the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Grand Foyer. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue, utilizing a new semi-permanent walkway.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected for holiday tours, receptions, and parties this month. The updated tour route excludes the Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor due to ongoing construction.

A team of volunteers helped decorate the Executive Mansion, using 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, over 700 feet of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet of ribbon, 2,800 gold stars, 10,000 butterflies, and 120 pounds of gingerbread. Most of the decorating took place after the Trumps left for their home in Palm Beach, Florida, for the Thanksgiving holiday and returned to the White House on Sunday.

The official Christmas tree in the Blue Room is adorned with gold stars to honor military families. This tree also features ornaments representing each state and territory, showcasing their official birds and flowers. The Green Room highlights family fun with portraits of the first and current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, made from over 6,000 Lego pieces.

The Red Room is decorated with thousands of butterflies, celebrating young people and honoring Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, part of her Be Best program aimed at supporting those in foster care. A gingerbread replica of the White House is on display in the State Dining Room, showcasing the mansion’s South Portico and offering a view into the Yellow Oval Room, which is part of the president’s private living quarters.

The first lady’s signature Christmas wreaths with red bows adorn the exterior windows of the White House. During her previous term as first lady, Melania Trump was recorded expressing her frustrations about traditional duties, including Christmas preparations, in tapes shared by a former friend and adviser.