First Lady Melania Trump unveiled the 2020 White House Christmas decorations with this year’s theme, “America the Beautiful,” focusing on paying tribute to the majesty of our great Nation.
“I am excited to announce this year’s White House holiday theme, ‘America the Beautiful,'” Melania said in a statement. “Over the past four years, I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens. From coast to coast, the bond that all Americans share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year.”
In a one-minute holiday video released Monday morning, the 2020 holiday decorations feature ornaments modeled after Air Force One, and American flags hang from brightly lit trees, as does a white ball with the words “Be Best” stitched across it in red and blue letters. This year’s decorations include 106 wreaths, 62 trees, more than 1,200 feet of garland, more than 3,200 lights, more than 17,000 bows, and more than 150 types of foliage and floral arrangement.
This year’s theme pays tribute to “this land we are all proud to call home” is aimed at paying “tribute to the majesty of our great Nation,” Melania shared on Twitter. “Together, we celebrate this land we are all proud to call home.”
This year’s official White House Christmas tree features children’s art from each state. Students 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 the state in which they call home. According to the statement, mini-masterpieces collectively showcase America, the beautiful, “bedecked with rays of yellow and gold, unites us in our common goal of building a brighter future for America’s children, aligning closely with First Lady Melania Trump’s BE BEST initiative which focuses on giving all children the best opportunity to succeed in life.”
The entrance to the East Wing will keep with the annual tradition dedicated to Gold Star Family with The Gold Star Family Tree draped in blue paying tribute to the memory of those who sacrificed a family member in military service. This year, families who decorated the tree placed the name of their fallen family member on ribbons that will adorn the tree.
In the East Colonnade, classical urns with foliage from each official tree of every state and territory are featured. Just beyond the gallery of greenery, the East Garden Room displays holiday cards sent by first families over the past twelve administrations. This year’s card, shimmering in gold, shows the unique landscape of America, the beautiful.
The White House library this year is in recognition of this year’s 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote. Decorations shine a spotlight on “women who were pioneers for gender equality and the impact of their voices on our Nation’s story.” Melania also featured decor of the winning pieces of art from a children’s contest hosted earlier in the year displayed on the base of the tabletop tree.
Heading to the East Room, it features model planes, trains, and automobiles race around the trees, through the ribbons, and between the twinkling lights to celebrate “our monumental triumphs in innovation and technology.”
“Since the creation of our Nation, America has been on the move,” the statement read. “From the First Transcontinental Railroad to the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the East Room celebrates our monumental triumphs in innovation and technology.”
The decor and ornaments in the Red Room honors the first responders and frontline workers called to action during this year’s pandemic, including a light-up ceramic post office, and a tree with ornaments celebrating frontline workers, including a trash truck, scientist, caregiver, lab coat and nurse hat.
“We salute America’s everyday heroes who serve as first responders and frontline workers. Handmade ornaments highlight the many professionals and volunteers who serve their communities with a spirit of generosity,” according to the first lady’s office.
The Green Room features the beauty of American wildlife, with decorations showcasing the “diversity of creatures that flutter and find refuge among our native landscape.”
As for this year’s Gingerbread House, for the first time replicates the Rose Garden and the First Ladies’ Garden along with its annual replication of the West Wing, Executive Residence, East Wing. The 275 pounds of gingerbread dough was constructed from 110 pounds of pastillage dough, 30 pounds of gum paste, 25 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.
Melania also thanked the small staff and volunteers who helped over the weekend on Twitter.
“Thank you for your time, enthusiasm & devotion to make sure the spirit of peace & joy fill the historic rooms & halls of the People’s House!” Melania tweeted.
This weekend, volunteers from all across America have come to decorate the @WhiteHouse for the holiday season. Thank you for your time, enthusiasm & devotion to make sure the spirit of peace & joy fill the historic rooms & halls of the People’s House! #WHChristmas pic.twitter.com/k1VAqCpCgk
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 28, 2020
The First Lady of the United States has historically been tasked with choosing a theme for the White House’s Christmas decorations since 1961, when Jackie Kennedy decorated the White House with a “Nutcracker Suite” theme, according to the White House Historical Association.
ROSE
December 1, 2020MY LADY;THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE AMERICA GREATER.YOUR POSE, YOUR GRACE AND THE LOVE YOU HAVE SHOWN FOR AMERICA,CAN NEVER BE MATCHED.GOD BLESS YOU,PRESIDENT TRUMP AND YOUR FAMILY.GOD BLESS AMERICA.