The holiday season is upon us, and as usual, the White House is gracing the nation with its annual Christmas decorations, a tradition steeped in history and full of festive flair. The roots of decking the halls at the executive mansion stretch back centuries, though it was Jackie Kennedy in 1961 who officially set the ball—or rather, the ornament—rolling by selecting “The Nutcracker” as the inaugural theme. Since then, each First Lady has put her distinct twist on the decorations, infusing the historic home with her personality and, occasionally, a touch of politics.
Melania Trump, whose style and elegance have remained a topic of bipartisan appreciation (a rare phenomenon these days), has embraced this tradition wholeheartedly. During her first Christmas at the White House in 2017, she chose the theme “Time-Honored Traditions,” an homage to the country’s rich and diverse heritage. This involved draping thousands of feet of garland and lights throughout the home, spotlighting her knack for taste and style. Her 2020 theme, “America the Beautiful,” was celebrated with student-made ornaments and a model train chugging around the Blue Room.
Fast-forward to the present, and this year’s theme, “Home is Where the Heart Is,” recognizes both her “Fostering the Future” initiative and the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Under her supervision, the White House has become a canvas for national pride and outreach, engaging volunteers from every state and territory to pitch in with the decorating. These selfless contributors, numbering around 150, descend upon Washington, D.C., to help transform the famous residence into a holiday spectacle admired nationwide.
While it might seem daunting to imagine conjuring criticism from something as delightful as Christmas decorations, each First Lady, including Melania, inevitably faces scrutiny. It seems even the most immaculate displays can evoke polarized opinions, a peculiar reflection of our times. Nevertheless, Melania’s efforts not only contribute to the aesthetic vibrancy of the season but also echo her sense of style and diplomatic grace. After all, thanks to her initiatives, ornaments crafted by children and disabled veterans find a home on the grand White House tree, each carrying a message of unity and hope.
In a world that often feels divided, perhaps it’s time for America to take a step back and revel in the simple joys of holiday cheer. Every First Lady has utilized the opportunity to display themes that range from the artistic to the patriotic, ensuring that stories of generosity and creativity are shared across the nation. So, let us embrace the decorations for what they represent: a coming together of people, a celebration of goodwill, and the timeless appeal of cherished traditions. This is what makes the seasonal magic of the White House so enduring—and, yes, a little bit of elegant Melania touch doesn’t hurt either.
