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The White House Historical Association released a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast today featuring a conversation on...
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From nineteenth-century celebrations to the extravagant décor and parties of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the White House is full of rich Christmas traditions during the holiday season.
White House Blue Room Christmas Trees by State of Origin Since 1961
Types of Blue Room Christmas Trees by Number of Occurrences Since 19611
President Calvin Coolidge was the first chief executive to preside over the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, doing so on the Ellipse in 1923. Today, the Christmas Pageant of Peace, held there annually since 1954, includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. This interdenominational celebration features the appearance of the first family for the lighting, as well as musical and dance performances.
1 Includes Christmas 2015. Although previous presidential administrations displayed Christmas trees indoors, it was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who consistently placed a tree in the Blue Room and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy who established the tradition of selecting a decorative theme for the Blue Room Christmas tree in 1961. The Blue Room tree tradition was interrupted twice. In 1962, the tree was moved to the Entrance Hall because of renovation work. In 1969, First Lady Patricia Nixon chose to display the tree in the Entrance Hall to make it more visible.
For all media inquiries, contact press@whha.org.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
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