A White House Christmas

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy introduced the tradition of Christmas Tree themes in 1961 with a “Nutcracker Suite” theme featuring trimmings derived from the ballet by Tchaikovsky. Ornaments included gingerbread cookies, tiny toys, wrapped packages, candy canes and straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftsmen throughout the United States. (Pictured: 1961 Blue Room Christmas Tree, President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy)

Checked off on my bucket list—visit the White House. 

Walking through the White House was a dream come true. If the walls of the White House could talk, they would tell a thousand stories.  A tradition that started in 1961 by the Kennedy family, visiting the White House decorated in all its Christmas finery has become something that America looks forward to every holiday season. 

On December 21st, Aaron got us tickets to do a White House tour. I was so excited to do this because, like people all over the world, I was fascinated by this place of power. I know this will sound strange, but I was not so taken in by the Christmas decorations, but I was by the fact that every American president since John Adams had resided in this space and walked these halls. I walked through each room, wanting to know more about its history, and imagining our nation’s leaders, walking the same halls, with their hands clasped behind their backs and deep in thought, pondering the fate of the country and its people. 

This year, more than 400 volunteers came together to decorate the White House, and over 

85,000 guests were expected to visit over the holidays. The White House had 37 trees delivered and the main one is located in the Blue Room. This year, the tree was dedicated to those who are serving in the military. A couple of highlights for me were to see the famous painting of JFK and to listen to Christmas tunes played beautifully on the piano by David Osborne, the “pianist to the presidents”. He played for an hour, with no sheet music in front of him, and the crowds loved it! Some even danced in the halls, while he played to his heart’s content. 

A magical experience! We loved every minute of it!