The White House has undergone a stunning transformation into a winter wonderland, marking its last festive season under the current administration. More than 300 volunteers and staff members dedicated their holiday weekend to this endeavor.
This year, the theme ‘Season of Peace and Light’ captures the spirit of the holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights and floating paper doves. Upon entering the White House, guests are greeted by a rotating starlight in the East Wing, continuing to the East Colonnade adorned with brass bells tied with red ribbons. The Library mesmerizes with spinning ceramic Christmas trees on tree-shaped platforms, reflecting President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s choice of the room in 1935.
In the Vermeil Room, floral displays brighten the space, complemented by portraits of former First Ladies. The China Room showcases a baker’s bench with artisanal breads and historical tableware. Meanwhile, the Diplomatic Reception Room, famous for President Roosevelt’s fireside chats, opens up to the general public for the first time, featuring holiday florals and fruit.
A reflective canopy of shiny confetti dazzles visitors in the East Room, while the Green Room sparkles with jewel tones and decorations crafted from metallic pipe cleaners. The central attraction, the official Christmas Tree of the White House, stands tall in the Blue Room, a nearly 19-foot Fraser Fir sourced from North Carolina. It survived Hurricane Helene, as noted by the First Lady, Jill Biden. In the State Dining Room, colorful paper chain garlands grace the decor, lovingly created by families of USS Delaware and USS Gabrielle Giffords crew members.
Throughout the festive displays, approximately 83 Christmas trees, nearly 10,000 feet of ribbon, over 28,000 ornaments, over 2,000 paper doves, and over 165,000 twinkling lights embellish the space. Additionally, the White House-inspired gingerbread house is a marvel of baking, constructed using 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, various cookie doughs, and a generous amount of chocolate and icing. Mechanized figurines skate atop the icing-laden creation.
Event planner Bryan Rafanelli led the volunteers, who worked tirelessly to install the decorations while the First Family spent Thanksgiving in Nantucket. As part of the celebrations, Jill Biden will welcome National Guard families to enjoy the first tour of these elaborate decorations.
The White House’s festive transformation into a ‘Season of Peace and Light’ presentation highlights the administration’s effort to foster goodwill and unity. This year’s ornamentation offers a new and memorable experience for visitors during the holidays, reflecting a commitment to community and the spirit of togetherness.
Source: CNN
