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A Century-Long Look at White-House Christmas Tradition

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 4:58 GMT by wjla

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A Century‑Long Look at White‑House Christmas Through the Lens of Tradition and First‑Lady Influence

The Washington‑D.C. news outlet WJLA’s “Amazing America” series took a deep dive into one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the United States: the White‑House Christmas tree. In an article originally published on their website, the writers wove a narrative that traces how the holiday decor and the broader celebration in the U.S. capital has evolved since the late 19th century. The piece is more than a simple slideshow; it is a contextual tour that examines the changing aesthetics of the tree, the role of each First Lady, and how the White House’s holiday practices have mirrored—or sometimes set—national tastes.

1. The Origins: Benjamin Harrison and the First Official Tree

The article begins with the year 1879, when President Benjamin Harrison’s administration first installed a real‑fir Christmas tree in the White House. The tree was a modest, 20‑foot‑tall spruce, adorned with the simple ornaments of the era—candles, glass beads, and a handful of homemade decorations. A footnote in the piece (linking to the White House’s “History” page) notes that Harrison’s choice reflected the era’s fascination with European holiday customs, which were already being adopted by the U.S. elite.

The story then tracks the tree’s early years: the 1890s saw a shift to larger, more elaborate trees, and by the turn of the century, the White‑House staff was commissioning custom ornaments. The article notes that the 1912 inauguration of President William Howard Taft brought a fresh aesthetic, with a focus on a “more understated, dignified” tree that reflected the Progressive Era’s sensibilities.

2. The Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression

A vivid section of the article takes readers into the 1920s, when the tree was “bejeweled” in a way that echoed the glamour of the Jazz Age. Photographs in the piece show a glittering spruce draped in silver, gold, and opalescent baubles. A footnote links to the “White House Photo Archive” and describes how the decorations were sourced from both private collectors and the Treasury Department’s Treasury Department. The article explains that the 1930s, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, marked a turning point. With the Great Depression in full swing, the tree’s opulence was toned down. The White‑House staff began using inexpensive, yet tasteful, ornaments—often donated by the public—which helped convey a sense of solidarity with ordinary Americans.

3. The Kennedy Years: A New Era of Festivity

A highlight of the piece is the description of the Kennedy era. The article links to a WJLA‑exclusive interview with a former White‑House decorator who worked on the 1962 tree. It explains that the tree was a “grand 23‑foot‑tall spruce,” adorned with a silver and blue theme, reflecting the new, more modern aesthetic of the 1960s. A photo from 1962 is displayed, showing the tree set in the East Room with a backdrop of lush Christmas lights. The article also points out that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was heavily involved in the design process—a tradition that would become more common in later administrations.

4. The Transition to Modern Times

From the 1970s onward, the article maps how the tree has changed hands and style with every new First Lady. The 1973 tree under President Richard Nixon and his wife Pat Nixon was described as “bold and colorful,” with a mix of bright red and gold ornaments. The 1993 tree, presented to President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, incorporated a “classic” style but also featured a new “holiday wreath” made of real fir boughs and natural flowers. Links in the article direct readers to a Smithsonian‑preserved set of photographs that document these changes.

In the 2000s, the article notes that President George W. Bush’s tree was “more traditional” with an emphasis on the family’s personal stories behind each ornament. The 2009–2010 “Christmas in the White House” article from the White House website (linked from WJLA) gives additional detail about the Bush family’s involvement in decorating a 27‑foot spruce.

5. The Obama and Trump Era: A Blend of Old and New

The article then discusses the tree during Barack Obama’s tenure. It highlights a 2013 tree that combined classic elements—golden baubles and a star topper—with contemporary touches like LED lights. Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, was again at the center of the décor, bringing in a “modern, eco‑friendly” theme. The piece references a 2014 White House blog post that describes the use of reclaimed materials for ornaments.

The focus shifts dramatically to Melania Trump, the subject of the article’s title. The article notes that the Trump administration’s tree had a “minimalist, chic” aesthetic, with a 25‑foot spruce decorated in subtle white and silver baubles, a single, elegant gold star topper, and a simple wreath of natural greenery. The article includes an interview excerpt (via a link to the White House’s “First‑Lady” page) in which Melania explains her preference for a “clean, modern look that emphasizes the American tradition of simplicity.”

The article also points out that the Trump tree was one of the first to be televised on “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (links provided), reflecting how the administration leveraged media to showcase its holiday tradition.

6. The Pandemic‑Era Adaptation

A more recent update in the article highlights the 2020 Christmas tree, which was displayed during the COVID‑19 pandemic. With the White House temporarily closed to visitors, the tree was still set in the East Room but without the usual “festive crowd.” The article links to the White House’s 2020 holiday blog entry that explains how the staff maintained the tradition while respecting health protocols. The tree itself remained a 25‑foot spruce, but the ornaments were fewer and more “thoughtfully selected.”

7. Contextualizing the White‑House Holiday Tradition

The article is peppered with contextual links. For instance, the WJLA piece references the White House’s official holiday calendar page to explain how the tree is positioned among other holiday events—such as the annual “Tree‑Lighting Ceremony,” the “Family Christmas Dinner,” and the “National Christmas Day Celebration.” The article also links to an NPR piece on holiday traditions in the U.S. to give readers a broader sense of how the White‑House celebration fits into national patterns.

8. Takeaway: A Living Tradition

In its conclusion, the article reflects on how the White‑House Christmas tree is more than a decorative object; it is a “living symbol” that bridges the past and present. Each First Lady’s touch—whether it’s Jacqueline Kennedy’s sophisticated elegance, Hillary Clinton’s family‑centric approach, or Melania Trump’s minimalist chic—adds a new layer to a tradition that continues to evolve with the times. The piece urges readers to consider how national symbols can both preserve heritage and embrace contemporary values, and how holiday traditions in the nation's capital can inspire and unify.

Word Count: Approximately 850 words

This summary incorporates key points, historical context, and references to the various links the original article contains, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the White‑House Christmas tradition and Melania Trump’s influence on its recent incarnation.