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AP Video Report Walks Through White House Christmas Decor

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 12:17 GMT by Associated Press

AP Video Report: “Walking Through the White House Christmas Decorations” – A Summarized Overview

The Associated Press’s video feature, titled “AP reporter describes walking through the White House Christmas decorations,” provides viewers with an intimate look at how the nation’s iconic residence is transformed for the holiday season. Filmed in early December, the piece follows an AP reporter as she tours several key rooms of the White House, describing the elaborate décor, the history behind the traditions, and the sense of quiet festivity that permeates the executive mansion.

1. Setting the Scene: The Holiday Mood at the White House

The video opens with a sweeping shot of the White House’s front entrance, framed by a large, gold‑leaf wreath that has become a staple of every holiday display. The reporter explains that the wreath has been a fixture since the early 1970s, when President Jimmy Carter first hung a handmade pine wreath on the doors. Since then, the wreath has grown into a symbol of continuity and national unity.

From the outside, the façade is illuminated with a tasteful arrangement of white lights that frame the entryway. Inside, the warmth of the décor contrasts sharply with the crisp November air outside, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites visitors to imagine a holiday gathering in the presence of history.

2. The State Floor: A Tour of the Most Public Spaces

The reporter’s first stop is the State Floor, the largest and most public part of the White House. Here, the video shows the famous Blue Room, where a large, hand‑crafted Christmas tree stands tall—its branches covered with ornaments donated by various U.S. states. The tree’s lights blink gently, casting a soft glow on the polished mahogany tables that line the room.

Next, the video moves into the East Room, the largest room on the State Floor. A second, smaller tree sits on a stand in the corner, its lights swirling in a quiet rhythm. The reporter points out the white tablecloth draped over the long oak table, embroidered with a festive pattern of holly and berries. Behind her, a large canvas hangs, depicting a traditional American holiday scene—a winter landscape with pine trees and a starry sky.

The video then proceeds to the Oval Office. The reporter explains that while the office’s décor is kept more subdued, a small Christmas tree still appears on the desk, a reminder that the holiday spirit extends even to the center of executive power.

3. The Private and the Personal: Family Rooms and Personal Touches

While the State Floor’s décor is the most widely seen, the reporter also shares a glimpse of the more personal holiday touches in the First Family’s private quarters. A view of the Rose Garden’s seasonal flower beds reveals a tasteful arrangement of poinsettias and other ornamental plants. The reporter notes that the First Family tends to choose a different set of flowers each year, reflecting the evolving tastes of the household.

In the private kitchen, the reporter describes the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, a scent that seems to permeate the mansion. A kitchen counter holds a tray of cookies, neatly arranged in a decorative pattern. The reporter explains that the kitchen’s holiday décor is intentionally understated, focusing on the simple joys of cooking and sharing treats with friends and staff.

4. The History Behind the Holiday Traditions

A significant portion of the video is devoted to the historical background of White House Christmas traditions. The reporter notes that the tradition of a White House Christmas tree dates back to 1814, when the Marquis de Lafayette brought a small tree into the mansion. However, it wasn’t until 1902, during Theodore Roosevelt’s administration, that a public Christmas tree became a staple of the executive residence.

The reporter also highlights the nativity scene, a longstanding tradition that first appeared in the White House in 1922. The scene has evolved over time, with each President bringing new elements to the display. In recent years, the scene has incorporated more modern touches, including a miniature snow globe that depicts the White House’s own iconic staircase.

5. A Reflection on National Unity

The reporter closes the video by reflecting on the broader significance of the holiday décor. The decorations are not only a visual celebration of the season but also a symbolic reminder of the country’s shared traditions. The White House, as the seat of the nation’s executive power, offers a stage for this symbolic unity, reminding viewers that the holiday season is a time for togetherness, generosity, and reflection.

6. Supplementary Context: Links and Additional Resources

The AP article includes several hyperlinks that provide additional context for viewers interested in learning more about the White House’s holiday traditions:

• “White House Christmas Traditions” – A detailed look at how each President has influenced the décor, from the first tree to the current arrangements.
• “The National Christmas Tree” – A page describing the tradition of the National Christmas Tree, which is often featured in White House celebrations.
• “National Association of State Christmas Tree Growers” – Offers insights into how state trees are selected and presented at the White House.
• “First Families of the United States” – A historical overview that includes anecdotes about how various First Families have celebrated Christmas.

Each of these links enriches the viewer’s understanding of the broader cultural and historical significance of the White House’s holiday décor.

7. Final Thoughts

The AP reporter’s walk through the White House Christmas decorations offers a compelling mix of visual splendor, historical reflection, and personal touches. It demonstrates how a single country’s holiday tradition is woven into the architecture and culture of one of the most iconic homes in the world. From the gleaming Christmas trees in the State Floor to the subtle elegance of the Oval Office, the decorations embody a sense of warmth and unity that resonates across the nation. The article not only documents the decorations themselves but also invites viewers to consider the larger narrative of American holiday tradition—a narrative that continues to evolve with each new administration.