Ақ үйдің мерекелік шыршығы

Christmas tree inside the White House in Washington, DC, United States

The White House Christmas Tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official indoor Christmas tree at the residence of the president of the United States, the White House. The first indoor Christmas tree was installed in the White House sometime in the 19th century (there are varying claims as to the exact year) and since 1961 the tree has had a themed motif at the discretion of the First Lady of the United States.

There are two claims to the "first" genuine White House Christmas tree. President Franklin Pierce is said to have had the first indoor Christmas tree at the White House during the 1850s, or 1856. 1889, or 1891). First Lady Caroline Harrison helped decorate the tree, which was installed in the second floor oval parlor, today's Yellow Oval Room. There is an 1880 reference to President John Tyler in the 1840s, hosting a children's party at which there was a Christmas tree with gifts.

Following the Harrison administration indoor trees were not always used at the White House. First Lady Lou Henry Hoover began the tradition of presidential wives decorating the White House tree with the first "official" White House Christmas tree in 1929.

As stated, there were years where no indoor White House Christmas tree was installed at all. It is verifiable that there was no Christmas tree in the White House in 1902, 1904, 1907, and 1922. The lack of a tree in 1902 was due to the fact that President Theodore Roosevelt had not ordered one by December 23. There is no evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever displayed a Christmas tree in the White House. In 1922, First Lady Florence Harding's illness led to a more subdued Christmas celebration at the White House and no Christmas tree. The 1995 Blue Room Christmas tree sought ornaments made by architecture students from across the United States. George Stephanopoulos called the book a "work of fiction"; it has also been called "infamous". In 2008, one of the ornaments designed by a Seattle artist, Deborah Lawrence, was rejected for inclusion on the Blue Room Christmas Tree.

The White House Christmas tree is selected from various growers nationwide. Growers in the state of North Carolina have provided 15 trees, more than any other state. The state of Pennsylvania has the second highest total of trees provided for the White House with 11, as of 2023. The White House Christmas tree has been displayed in the Blue Room many times since 1961. It has also occasionally been displayed in the Entrance Hall. Traditionally, the tree in the Blue Room is the official White House Christmas tree. Frequently, the tree's height is reported as or tall. The Blue Room tree is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA).

Image Year Species and location grown Ornamentation notes First Lady Location Theme2023Fraser fir, Fleetwood, North CarolinaThe 2023 White House Holiday Display is designed to capture the pure, unfiltered delight and imagination of childhood, to encourage visitors to reflect on this time of year with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the season. The stunning tree celebrates cheerful scenes, landscapes, and neighborhoods from all across the country, with names of every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, showcased throughout the decor. With bright colors and three dimensional elements, guests will gaze in wonder as they are taken on a delightful adventure around the tree. A replica of a vintage passenger train, on loan from the Train Collectors Association, magically weaves through the tree’s base. Jill BidenBlue Room Magic, Wonder, and JoyThis year's holidays at the White House capture the spirit embodied in the very idea of America: We the People. The People's House's rooms are full of history and holiday décor and the mirrored ornaments and reflective lights, make you feel at home and find yourself in the great story of America. The official White House Christmas tree includes handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. Jill BidenBlue RoomWe the PeopleThis year's theme is inspired by the small acts of kindness and experiences that lifted America's spirits this year and throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. The Blue Room, featuring the Official White House Christmas Tree, celebrates the Gift of Peace and Unity. Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner embossed with the names of each state and territory of the United States, reminding us all of the importance of unity and national harmony.2020Fraser fir, Shepherdstown, West VirginiaStudents across the country were asked to artistically depict what makes their state beautiful by highlighting the people, places, and things that capture the spirit of their state. Glistening on the branches of this Fraser fir, their mini masterpieces collectively showcase America. Melania TrumpBlue RoomAmerica the Beautiful 2019Douglas fir, Pitman, Pennsylvania The decorations celebrate the courageous individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive. This year's official Christmas tree paid homage to the distinctive floral emblem of every state and territory. 2018Fraser fir, Newland, North Carolina The official White House Christmas tree was trimmed with blue velvet ribbon embroidered in gold with each state and territory. The theme displays many splendors found across the United States. 2017Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin The Blue Room tree was decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each state and territory. The theme pays respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House. 2016 Douglas fir, Oconto, Wisconsin This Blue Room tree celebrates "We the People". It is decorated with ribbon garland featuring iconic words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Ornaments featured images of American families, farmers, and service members, reflecting the United States by diversity and strengthened by a shared spirit of hope and optimism. Michelle Obama Blue RoomThe Gift of the Holidays 2015 Fraser fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania The Blue Room tree was "dedicated to our nation's service members, veterans, and their families, it is ornamented with holiday messages of hope for our troops and patriotic symbols of red, white, and blue." 2014 Concolor fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania The Blue Room Tree had a theme within the overall theme "America the Brave". Ornaments were made by children on U. S. military bases worldwide. The ornaments included many thank you cards from children to members of the U. S. military. 2013 Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania Ornaments paid tribute to military families. Children living on military bases contributed greeting cards in the shape of their home state. Those were hung from the tree along with round ornaments that silhouetted each state and territory. Michelle Obama Blue Room Gather Around: Stories of the Season 2012 Fraser fir, Jefferson, North Carolina Tree dedicated to U. S. military members, veterans and their families. Ornaments were decorated by children living on U. S. military bases worldwide. 2011 Balsam fir, Neshkoro, Wisconsin Medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches were displayed on ornaments. Michelle Obama Blue Room The Blue Room tree had a specific theme within the overall theme – "Gift of the American Spirit." It honored state and county fairs and featured prize ribbons from each state and territory. Michelle Obama Blue Room "Simple Gifts" "We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House." 2008 Fraser fir, Crumpler, North Carolina Ornaments designed by artists from around the country selected by members of Congress. The ornaments had a patriotic theme. Each ornament represented one of the 391 National Park Service sites. Laura Bush Blue Room Deck the Halls and Welcome All All Things Bright and Beautiful Musical instruments hand painted by members of the Society of Decorative Painters. The tree features ornaments first used by Barbara Bush in 1989. An artist from each state designed an ornament based on a native bird. Laura Bush Blue Room 2000 Douglas fir, Auburn, Pennsylvania Ornaments were from the First Lady's past. Doll makers fashioned toys of American historical figures for this tree. Knitting Guild of America and the Society of Decorative Painters worked together with fabric artists from each state on the ornaments. Winter Wonderland Grassy Creek, North Carolina Members of the National Needlework Association and Council of Fashion Designers of America joined with glass artisans to design the trimmings. Santa's Workshop Woodcraft artisans and professional ballet companies helped with the ornaments. Ornaments contributed by American architecture students and members of the American Institute of Architects. A Visit From St. Nicholas Hillary Clinton Blue Room 1992 Grand fir, White House florists made 88 gift giving characters. Saintly Stitchers of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston created a needlepoint village and 92 pieces for a White House staff built Noah's Ark. 1988 Balsam fir, Montello, Wisconsin Old fashioned tree Musical theme Mother Goose theme 1,500 Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis, drug treatment program. Ornaments made from Christmas cards sent to the Reagans in 1984 Ornaments made from plant material and other handcrafted natural ornaments. Reused 1982 ornaments and added old fashioned toys lent by Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum. Foil paper cones and metallic snowflakes Pennsylvania Ornaments from the Museum of American Folk Art. Dolls, hats, fans, tapestries, and laces. Victorian theme Corcoran School of Art created ornaments from balsa wood, fabric and dried flowers. American folk art of the colonial period Antique toys Painted milkweed pods, nut pods, foil, and eggshell ornaments Used ornaments from 1974 plus experts from Colonial Williamsburg made ornaments from paper snowflakes, acorns, dried fruits, pine cones, vegetables, straw, cookies and yarn. Handmade crafts, thrift and recycling American Flower Tree Pat Nixon North Entrance 19th century American style with gingerbread cookies. Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson Blue Room Traditional ornaments: nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies and wood roses from Hawaii. Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson Blue Room Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson Blue Room 1963 The tree was very subdued as the nation mourned John F. Kennedy's assassination. 1962 Reused ornaments from 1961 plus other ornaments made by disabled and senior citizens. Mamie Eisenhower East Room Mamie Eisenhower27 trees throughout the White House 1955 Mamie Eisenhower East Room 1954 Silver tinsel, Eisenhower grandchildren opened presents under this tree. 1947 Bess Truman East Room 1944 Elliot Roosevelt: ". . the Christmas tree was in place and decorated, the piles of presents were ready for the unwrapping – each person's pile heaped on a separate chair." 1939 Eleanor Roosevelt East Room 1937 ". . gleamed with snow and silver trimming." 1936 Eleanor Roosevelt East Room 1934 Multiple trees were installed in the White House, some for public viewing and others for private enjoyment of the Roosevelts. A large tree was installed in the White House East Room. Eleanor RooseveltEast Room Grace Coolidge 1923 Norway spruce White House had two Christmas trees. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson 1916 Edith Bolling Galt Wilson Library The tree was for Wilson's great niece Josephine Cothran.1915Laden with gifts from members of the family and household. Edith Bolling Galt WilsonLibrary 1914 none White House library 1912 Helen Taft Blue Room1908The first time there was a tree in the Roosevelt White House that was not attributed to young Archie Roosevelt. Edith Roosevelt1905Tree decorated and set up by Archie Roosevelt, as the only member of the family who had "a fondness" for Christmas trees he distributed the presents "through this medium". Edith Roosevelt 1903 Tree decorated solely by young Archie Roosevelt. Edith Roosevelt Living Room (The President's Den)1896Decorated with red, white and blue electric lights. The decorating was supervised by Mrs. Cleveland and included tinsel ornaments and toys. Tree featured electric lights. Frances Cleveland Library1893Frances ClevelandLibrary 1891 Caroline Harrison Library1890At least one tree was displayed "for the little ones". Caroline Harrison 1889 Foxtail hemlock Glass balls and pendants, gold tinsel. Decorated for a group of Washington, D. C. school children. Credited as the first White House Christmas tree though the claim is disputed (see above). Jane Pierce