Incredible photos show how the White House has celebrated Christmas through the years
It’s the most beautiful time of the year at the White House.
The West Wing, East Wing and every room in-between have been decked out in elaborate decorations to celebrate the holidays, and President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are preparing to celebrate the holiday with their family.
This year’s official theme is “American Treasures,” for the latest round of holiday decorating to take over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Here’s a look back at presidential Christmas celebrations, going all the way back to the 1800s.
0. The White House halls have been decked for the holidays every December since John and Abigail Adams held the first White House Christmas party in 1800.
1. Installing the wreath at the White House entrance, 1937
2. Every president has brought their own traditions into the White House. Grover Cleveland, for example, lit up the first Christmas tree inside the White House to the delight of his young daughters.( The Cleveland Family tree in the second floor Oval Room of the White House)
3. Calvin Coolidge was the first president to host a public Christmas celebration at the White House, with the first National Christmas Tree lighting in 1923.
4. The tree lighting ceremony and the president’s participation has been a yearly tradition since then. (The 1929 National Christmas Tree.)
5. Franklin Roosevelt spent ten consecutive Christmas holidays in the White House and emphasized the importance of family during the holiday season. (The tree in the East Room during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1936)
6. In 1962, the White House Christmas tree was decorated with ornaments inspired by children, including candy canes and gingerbread cookies.
7. Despite Jackie’s decorating efforts, the Kennedy family chose to celebrate Christmas Day in Palm Beach.
8. Here, the Johnson family poses in front of a Christmas tree in the Yellow Oval Room.
9. Christmas in the Nixon White House was a lively affair. First Lady Pat Nixon told ‘Empire Magazine their holiday traditions included the president playing ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ on the piano for friends and family. (First Lady Pat Nixon greets visitors to the White House, 1969)
10. Another Nixon tradition was to decorate their Christmas trees with decorations made by disabled workers. The 1969 tree, dubbed the “American Flower Tree,” was decorated with velvet and satin ornaments featuring each state’s flower.
11. Gerald Ford brought two dates to the White House Christmas ball in 1975: his wife Betty and his daughter Susan. (President Gerald Ford, with wife Betty and daughter Susan, 1975)
12. Many presidents have included their children and grandchildren in public White House traditions while in office. Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy, helped him light his first National Christmas Tree in 1977.
13. The Reagans really got into the holiday spirit when they lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Ronald Reagan dressed up as Santa Claus for a Christmas Eve party in 1983 …
14. … and First Lady Nancy Reagan sat on a different Santa’s lap. (Nancy Regan sitting on Mr. T’s lap in 1983)
15. Christmas during the first Bush administration was a family affair. Here, George H.W. Bush shows his grandchildren the Oval Office Christmas tree in 1991.
16. George W. and Laura Bush celebrated a patriotic-themed Christmas in 2008 to commemorate their final Christmas in the White House and the election year.
17. Barack Obama got really into the National Christmas Tree lighting in 2014. The president joined celebrities and Santa Claus on stage for a festive dance. (U.S. President Barack Obama dances with participants during the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, December 4, 2014.)
18. According to the White House, more than 100 open houses and many receptions will happen through the month of December, and more than 30,000 visitors will see the decorations in person during public tours. (The President’s Own Marine Band plays during the 2018 Christmas Press Preview at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 26, 2018)
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