Five first ladies decorate first White House Christmas

On Nov 30, 2021

The White House on Monday unveiled its Christmas decorations and the “Gifts from the Heart” theme selected by first lady Jill Biden.

It took over 100 volunteers more than a week to showcase the 41 Christmas trees, 6,000 feet of ribbon, over 300 candles, 10,000 ornaments, 25 wreaths and 78,750 holiday lights now adorning the People’s House, which has marked the holiday through several traditions established over two centuries.

Members of the US Marine Band play holiday music during a press tour of White House Christmas decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)

Two women look at a booklet describing Christmas decorations in the White House as US First Lady Jill Biden speaks during an event, to thank the volunteers from the area who helped decorate the White House for the holiday, in the East Room of at the White House in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)

President Benjamin Harrison was the first to stand a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and candles inside the White House for family and friends to enjoy in 1889. The ritual became an annual tradition in 1929 when first lady Lou Henry Hoover decorated her indoor tree. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy further refined the tradition when she chose a Nutcracker theme for her Christmas tree, and began placing it in the oval Blue Room of the White House.

President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in front of the White House Christmas Tree in 1961. (Photo by Robert LeRoy Knudsen)

Check out these photos of first lady Jill Biden’s decorations this year, plus decorations selected by the four first ladies who preceded her in 1993, 2001, 2009 and 2017.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 22: First lady Jill Biden speaks briefly to reporters as she receives the official White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. The eighteen-foot Fraser fir was grown in North Carolina by Rusty and Beau Estes, winners of the National Christmas Tree Association’s 2021 grand championship. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Throughout the East Colonnade, iridescent doves and shooting stars illuminate the hallway, representing the peace and light brought to us all by the service of frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

Grand Foyer and Cross Hall – Gift of Faith and Community. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

The Gingerbread White House. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

State Dining Room – Gift of Family. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

Red Room – Gift of the Performing Arts. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

Blue Room – Gift of Peace and Unity. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

Green Room – Gift of Nature. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

East Room – Gift of Gratitude. (Photo Courtesy: White House)

China Room – Gift of Friendship and Sharing. (Photo Courtesy: White…