This year’s Christmas will be the last holiday President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden spend at the White House. First Lady Jill Biden officially unveiled the White House holiday and seasonal decorations on Monday (Dec 2), announcing this year’s Christmas holiday theme as “A Season of Peace and Light,” aiming to reflect the importance of unity, gratitude, and peace.
First Lady Jill Biden delivered a holiday address to the nation from the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C. on Monday, thanking volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House. She said, “It is an honor to be your First Family. May our nation be filled with peace and light during this holiday season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”
The theme Christmas tree at the White House is a towering Fraser Fir from North Carolina. After the chandeliers were removed, it was secured under the ceiling of the Blue Room, situated in the center of a colorful amusement park-style carousel where reindeer, swans, and other animals swing up and down on poles. The Christmas tree is adorned with twinkling multicolored lights and 3D holiday candies such as peppermints and ribbon candies. The tree is also decorated with the names of the states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Last week, over 300 volunteers from across the United States decorated the various public spaces of the White House and 83 Christmas trees with nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) of ribbon, over 28,000 ornaments, 2,200 paper doves, and 165,000 wreaths and garlands, including various shaped light displays. The Library, China Room, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and entrance halls of the White House have all been carefully arranged.
The First Lady also invited National Guard families as the first group of the public to come and admire and experience the White House holiday decorations, showing appreciation and respect for the special role played by the National Guard in serving the country. In addition, the United States Marine Band was invited to perform Christmas music, adding a touch of cultural atmosphere and artistic flair to the event.
The White House expects approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season.