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Inside the White House: The Quiet 3 a.m. Holiday Prep

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 17:07 GMT by Toronto Star

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White House holiday prep: Behind the scenes of a presidential Christmas

The Toronto Star’s feature on “photos from the White House’s holiday prep” gives readers a rare look at the meticulous, often unsung work that goes into transforming the nation’s most iconic residence into a winter wonderland each December. The article, which accompanies a series of images that were taken in the weeks leading up to Christmas, chronicles the process from the quiet early‑morning work of the staff to the triumphant unveiling of the tree and other festive touches that signal the start of the holiday season for the First Family and the public.

A quiet buzz before the lights go on

The article opens with a series of close‑up shots of the White House’s Oval Office and the Lincoln Bedroom, both covered in a gentle, pre‑decorative glow. A caption notes that the White House staff, led by the “Chief Holiday Coordinator,” start their work as early as 3 a.m. to avoid the crowds of visitors that come once the holidays begin. The photographs show teams of assistants—most of them White House staff who have served under several administrations—hanging strings of twinkling lights, placing garlands along the windowsills, and setting up the “official” Christmas tree in the Great Hall.

The images also highlight the “back‑of‑house” logistics: crates of ornaments, ladders, and a half‑finished list of holiday traditions that the White House has adopted over the years. One photo focuses on a neatly stacked box labeled “2004‑2019 Christmas ornaments,” a nod to the way the first‑family keeps track of the evolution of the tree’s style—from the classic evergreen in 2001 to the modern minimalist aesthetic that has been in vogue since the late 2010s.

The tree: a living tradition

A central theme of the article is the White House Christmas tree itself. According to the photos and accompanying narration, the tree is chosen from a private donation every year. The latest image shows a lush, 30‑foot spruce freshly cut from the “North‑Carolina Pine Farm” (the donation was announced on the White House blog, a link the article provides for readers who want to learn more about the tradition). The staff carefully place a “white lantern”—the tradition of a white light fixture on the tree’s trunk—before adding the ornaments.

The Star article offers a brief commentary on how the tree reflects the President’s priorities. “The 2024 tree features a series of small, hand‑crafted ornaments donated by local artisans in the District of Columbia,” the article explains, citing a link to a short interview with the First Family’s event planner. The commentary notes that the Biden administration has sought to emphasize sustainability by using a locally sourced tree and a set of ornaments made from recycled materials, a departure from the larger, imported trees of previous administrations.

The staff’s role in the holiday spirit

Beyond the tree, the article provides a detailed look at the staff’s day‑to‑day work. One photo shows a group of aides arranging “mini‑snowmen” in the White House’s backyard, another captures a pair of staffers hanging a string of multi‑colored lights across the front porch. The article links to an interview with the Chief of Staff, who explains that the holiday prep is not just a matter of aesthetics. “It’s about creating a space where the First Family can relax and where guests can feel the warmth of the American holiday tradition,” he says.

The piece also includes quotes from a White House staff member who has served since 2010, who reveals that the tradition of “holiday cookie day” is a beloved activity for the staff. The article links to a photo series that showcases the staff baking cookies for the President, First Lady, and for a charity donation to the “United Way” that the White House traditionally makes each year.

Family participation and the wider cultural context

The Star article touches on the public dimension of the holiday prep. The photos capture the Biden family—President Biden, First Lady Jill, Vice President Harris, and their children—participating in various stages of the decoration process. A candid shot shows the President handing a tiny ornament to the eldest child, a moment that the article highlights as a key part of the family’s holiday ritual. A link in the article directs readers to a recent press release announcing the family’s plan to host a holiday dinner for staff and the public, underscoring the White House’s role as a cultural hub.

The article also references the broader historical context of White House holiday traditions. It notes that the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree in the White House began in 1941 under President Roosevelt and has evolved dramatically. The Star article links to an archival page on the White House website that documents how each president’s personal style—whether the “big, bold” style of the 1970s or the “cozy, minimalist” look of the 1990s—has shaped the décor. This link provides readers with a timeline of past decorations, giving context to the current year’s choices.

The grand unveiling and public anticipation

The article concludes with images of the final stage: the official “Tree Lighting Ceremony” that is broadcast to the nation. The photos capture the President and the First Lady lighting a single “white lantern” to signify the start of the holiday season. The article links to a video of the ceremony that aired on the White House’s official YouTube channel, allowing readers to see the moment that millions of Americans watch each year. The narrator’s voiceover—recorded by a White House spokesperson—reflects on the significance of the ceremony: “It’s a time when the White House opens its doors to the nation and reminds us of the values of generosity, warmth, and togetherness.”

Final thoughts

Overall, the Star’s “photos from the White House holiday prep” article is more than a visual tour. By weaving together images, staff interviews, family moments, and contextual links, it offers readers an insider’s perspective on how the country’s most famous residence turns into a seasonal symbol of unity and tradition. The piece highlights the meticulous planning behind the scenes, the role of the staff, and the symbolic resonance of the decorations—all of which contribute to a holiday that is both celebratory and reflective of the American experience.