White House in Winter

This watercolor painting of the White House South Portico during an evening snowfall was created by Margaret Huddy in 2005, during the George W. Bush administration. A Christmas tree illuminated with electric lights can be seen in the Second Floor window. The White House Historical Association's 2009 Christmas ornament, which honored President Grover Cleveland, featured Huddy's painting. President and Mrs. Cleveland were the first to decorate a family tree with electric lights in 1894 and hosted annual Christmas tree trimming parties for their young children and those of Cleveland's cabinet members.