In 2001, First Lady Laura Bush chose "Home for the Holidays" as the White House Christmas tree theme. Artists from all 50 states and the District of Columbia designed model replicas of historic homes and houses of worship to hang as ornaments. In 2002, Mrs. Bush adopted the theme of "All Creatures Great and Small." As an animal lover, she wanted to highlight the history and importance of pets in the White House. Perched on the boughs of the official tree were finely crafted representatives of America's favorite birds. The tree stood in the oval Blue Room, an elegant space most often honored as the official center of holiday splendor in the White House.

Inset Left: The Bushs' 2002 Christmas Card

Credits: The White House