The halls have been well and truly decked at the White House this holiday season, and White House staff members, decorators, holiday volunteers, and the First Lady have created something truly special for 2020.

“America the Beautiful” was the theme for this year’s White House Christmas celebration.

“From coast to coast, our country is blessed with boundless natural wonders. The timeless treasures represented in this year’s holiday showcase remind us of the true American spirit,” according to a White House statement on the 2020 holiday decor.

 

The Taylor Family won this year’s National Christmas Tree Association contest, and were honored to provide the traditional White House Christmas tree for the Blue Room.

 

“Everything in the White House must have a reason for being there. It would be sacrilege merely to ‘redecorate’ it,” said First Lady Jackie Kennedy about her famous efforts to honor the remarkable history of the building. “It must be restored, and that has nothing to do with decoration. It is a question of scholarship.”

It is advice that First Lady Melania Trump has taken to heart, even meticulously restoring the historical roses to the White House Rose Garden last year. Like Jackie Kennedy, First Lady Melania Trump has faced a great deal of criticism for her efforts.

 

The famous Vermeil Room features a collection of more than 1600 pieces, many on display this year. Students from all over the country submitted artwork to be included in the holiday decor.

 

 

In honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States, many of 2020’s decorations pay tribute to the brave pioneers who fought for gender equality. In 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

 

 

This year’s masterpiece of a gingerbread house depicts the “People’s House” in all its delightful, and delightfully edible, glory. With 385 pounds of dough, 25 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing, the White House pastry team worked tirelessly to pay tribute to “America the Beautiful”.

 

“Upstairs in the East Room, visitors will see planes, trains, and automobiles race around the trees, through the ribbons, and between the twinkling lights. Since the creation of our Nation, America has been on the move. From the first intercontinental railroad to the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the East Room celebrates our monumental triumphs in innovation and technology.” — WH

 

 

In front of one of 28 historic fireplaces, the White House China Room is reminiscent of home comforts and recalls vividly the family kitchen. Stockings for the First Family are hung with care over the hearth.

“I am excited to announce this year’s White House holiday theme, ‘America the Beautiful. Over the past four years I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens. From coast to coast, the bond that all Americans share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year.

Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked to make sure the People’s House was ready for the holiday season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.” — First Lady Melania Trump

 

(contributing writer, Brooke Bell)