WASHINGTON — Melania Trump revealed the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House, themed "Home Is Where the Heart Is." The decorations also commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. A team of several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped adorn the Executive Mansion with an impressive array of festive items. This year’s display includes 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, over 700 feet of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, 25,000 feet of ribbon, 2,800 gold stars, 10,000 butterflies, and 120 pounds of gingerbread. Changes to the layout are notable this year due to the demolition of the East Wing, which was removed to make way for a long-desired ballroom by President Donald Trump. The official White House Christmas tree, typically displayed in the Blue Room, now also honors Gold Star families who have lost members during active military service. This tree was previously located in the East Wing, which was demolished in October. Public tours of the White House, which had been suspended during construction, are set to resume. However, the tours will follow a shorter route limited to the State Floor, which includes the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Grand Foyer. The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms will not be included in the tours due to ongoing construction. The White House anticipates welcoming tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions, and parties leading up to Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue, utilizing a new semi-permanent walkway. A White House statement emphasized the significance of Christmas as a time to celebrate American values. "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." Later on Monday, Melania Trump joined Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, at Joint Base Andrews to engage with military spouses. They participated in assembling care packages filled with Rice Krispies Treats and other snacks, as well as writing holiday cards for deployed service members. Melania Trump highlighted the resilience of military spouses, stating, "We speak regularly of the bravery of our service members, and we should. But we must also illuminate the bravery of those who walk beside them, the spouses who carry the weight of family life on top of their own dreams." The holiday decorations transform the State Floor into a festive wonderland. The East Room features trees adorned in patriotic red, white, and blue, along with national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, in honor of the upcoming America250 celebration. The Blue Room's official Christmas tree is decorated with gold stars to honor Gold Star families. This year’s tree showcases ornaments representing each state and territory, featuring the official bird and flower of each. The Green Room celebrates family fun with large portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump, crafted from over 6,000 Lego pieces. The Red Room is decorated with thousands of blue butterflies, and its centerpiece tree pays tribute to young people, aligning with Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, part of her Be Best program. A highlight of the decorations is a gingerbread replica of the White House displayed in the State Dining Room. This creation features the mansion’s South Portico and offers a glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room. It was made using 120 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of pastillage, over 10 pounds of chocolate, and 5 pounds of royal icing. Additionally, part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer, while the remainder is undergoing restoration by the curator's office.
Melania Trump Unveils Holiday Decorations at the White House
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