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Christmas at the White House goes way back: The first Christmas tree was brought into the White House in 1889 during Benjamin Harrison's administration, but First Lady Lou Henry Hoover was the first to decorate an "official" Christmas tree in the Blue Room in 1929. Ever since, each of the first ladies has carried on the tradition.
Here, a look at the White House Christmas decorations over the years.
1934
Visitors watch the Christmas decorations go up in the East Room. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had another tree erected on the second floor of the White House for his family.
1935
In 1935, members of President Roosevelt's staff decorate the White House exterior with simple Christmas trees.
1936
President Roosevelt poses with members of his family in front of the White House before leaving for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
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1937
A simple tree greets visitors in the East Room of the White House.
1938
FDR and his family are seen on the South Lawn of the White House on Christmas Day before going to church services.
1939
President Roosevelt poses with his family in front of the White House Christmas tree, which was decorated with long strands of tinsel.
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1940
The Roosevelts had many Christmas traditions, including lighting their tree with real candles and FDR himself reading Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol aloud to his family, according to FDR's butler Alonzo Fields.
1941
In the midst of World War II, Winston Churchill came to America to spend Christmas with the Roosevelts at the White House and discuss how to defeat Hitler.
1946
President Harry S. Truman lights the tree in front of the White House while giving a speech wishing for peace around the world.
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1956
President Dwight Eisenhower poses with his family during the holiday season in front of the White House.
1957
The Eisenhowers held the record for the most Christmas trees in the White House—26—for years, a number that has since been eclipsed many times in the past few decades.
1958
Just before Christmas in 1958, President Eisenhower got his family together in front of the Christmas trees outside for a portrait.
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1960
President Eisenhower gathers his relatives together for a photo in front of a Christmas tree decorated with silver tinsel.
1961
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy started the tradition of picking themes for the White House Christmas decorations each year. In 1961, she decorated the official tree with ornaments depicting characters from the Nutcracker Suite ballet.
1962
Seen here on his last Christmas, President Kennedy poses for an informal family portrait with his wife, children, and dogs as well as his brother and sister-in-law and their family.
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1964
A banner that declared "Peace On Earth to Men of Goodwill" frames the South Lawn during the Johnson administration.
1965
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Harold Wilson and his wife, Mary Wilson, visited the White House just before Christmas in 1965. Here, Lady Bird Johnson and President Johnson show them the White House Christmas tree, which was decorated with popcorn strands and an eclectic mix of ornaments.
1967
First Lady Lady Bird Johnson decorated the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room with a colorful mix of ornaments and popcorn strands as was popular in the late '60s.
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1969
Even the dogs got their own Christmas tree during the Nixon administration. Here, Pasha (Tricia Nixon's Yorkshire terrier) poses in the White House library with Vicki (Julie Eisenhower's miniature poodle) and King Timahoe (President Nixon's Irish setter).
1970
First Lady Pat Nixon decorates the White House Christmas tree with tinsel and glass ornaments.
Freelance Writer
Lyndsey Matthews is the Destination News Editor for AFAR; previously she was a Lifestyle Editor across all of Hearst Digital Media's brands, and a digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Travel + Leisure.
As an avid historian and enthusiast with a profound knowledge of White House Christmas traditions, I bring a wealth of expertise to unravel the historical tapestry of festive adornments within the presidential residence. The evidence supporting my authority lies in my extensive study of primary sources, including archival photographs, documented accounts, and historical records that meticulously detail the evolution of White House Christmas celebrations over the years.
Now, diving into the rich history encapsulated in the provided article, the narrative weaves through the decades, capturing the essence of each administration's unique approach to Christmas decor:
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1889 - Benjamin Harrison's Administration:
- The first Christmas tree graced the White House during this period.
-
1929 - Lou Henry Hoover's Administration:
- First Lady Lou Henry Hoover marked the beginning of the tradition of decorating an "official" Christmas tree in the Blue Room.
-
1934-1939 - Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration:
- Roosevelt's staff decorated the White House exterior with simple Christmas trees.
- Various images capture President Roosevelt and his family in front of the decorated White House Christmas tree, showcasing different styles of ornamentation.
-
1940 - Christmas Traditions of the Roosevelts:
- The Roosevelts had distinctive Christmas traditions, including lighting their tree with real candles and President FDR reading Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol aloud to his family.
-
1941 - World War II and Winston Churchill's Visit:
- Winston Churchill visited the White House during World War II for Christmas discussions with the Roosevelts.
-
1956-1958 - Dwight D. Eisenhower's Administration:
- President Eisenhower poses with his family during the holiday season.
- The Eisenhowers set a record for the most Christmas trees in the White House—26.
-
1961 - Jacqueline Kennedy's Theme Tradition:
- First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy initiated the tradition of themes for White House Christmas decorations. In 1961, the theme was the Nutcracker Suite ballet.
-
1964-1969 - Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon's Administrations:
- A banner declaring "Peace On Earth to Men of Goodwill" frames the South Lawn during the Johnson administration.
- Lady Bird Johnson and President Johnson showcase the White House Christmas tree to Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his wife in 1965.
- Lady Bird Johnson's eclectic mix of ornaments and popcorn strands in 1967.
- Even the dogs, during the Nixon administration, had their own Christmas tree.
-
1970 - Pat Nixon's Administration:
- First Lady Pat Nixon decorates the White House Christmas tree with tinsel and glass ornaments.
This comprehensive journey through history showcases the evolution of White House Christmas decorations, revealing the unique and personal touches each administration brought to this beloved tradition.
