THE WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE

THE WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE - HOW IT ALL BEGAN

I love Christmas stories and Christmas traditions and nothing is more fascinating then how the Official White house Christmas Tree came to be. The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison.

The President's grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was lit with candles. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver dollar- shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.

What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a "technology savvy" tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky.

Today, the First Lady selects a theme and taps the talents of American artisans, who give life to the idea. Laura Bush chose "Home for the Holidays" for the 2001 theme, which features replicas of the family homes of the nation's Presidents.

The former U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama welcomed the official White House Tree on December 1, 2015 to signal the start of the Holiday season.

The current First lady Melania Trump unveiled this season's White House Christmas decorations on November 27, 2017.

The current tree on display at the White House is a 19.5-foot balsam fir that will serve as the official White House Christmas Tree. It arrived at the White House on November 20, 2017.

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