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Melania Trump Sets 'Home Is Where the Heart Is' Theme for White House Holiday Decor

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 10:46 GMT by KSL

Melania Trump Unveils “Home Is Where the Heart Is” as the White House Holiday Theme
(Summary of a KSL News article published Dec. 12, 2023)

When the White House’s annual holiday makeover begins, the nation’s eye is drawn not only to the glittering lights on the flag‑pole but also to the personal touches that the First Family chooses to bring to the world’s most iconic residence. In a recent appearance at the White House, former First Lady Melania Trump revealed that the décor for the current holiday season would be guided by a simple, but deeply resonant, theme: “Home is where the heart is.” The statement, which was announced in front of the historic building and shared with the press, underscores both a return to tradition and a personal narrative that ties the Trump family’s experiences to the national holiday spirit.

A Theme Rooted in Memory and Meaning

The phrase “home is where the heart is” is not a new one to Melania. In interviews over the past few years, she has frequently mentioned how the idea of home—whether a family kitchen, a childhood bedroom, or a shared apartment—holds the essence of love and belonging. By adopting this sentiment as the guiding principle for the White House decorations, she signals a desire to infuse the official residence with a sense of warmth and intimacy that reflects her own life experiences.

During the announcement, Trump spoke about the way the White House has served as a backdrop for countless family gatherings—from the Christmas feast hosted by the Bush family to the New Year’s celebrations of the Clintons. “Every family has a heart, and every heart finds its own rhythm,” she said. “I wanted to make sure that the heartbeats of the Trump family could echo throughout this house.” These remarks were accompanied by images of a custom‑crafted, 30‑foot tall Christmas tree that had just been placed in the South Front Lawn—a centerpiece that, according to the First Lady, was “hand‑chosen for its ability to remind everyone that the heart can light up the darkest corners.”

Visual and Symbolic Elements

While the overall aesthetic remains rooted in the classic color palette of red, green, gold, and white, there are a few notable departures that align with the “home” motif. For instance:

• Hand‑made ornaments: Melania’s team selected several handmade items, many of which were sourced from local artists. These pieces—ranging from hand‑painted snowflakes to embroidered stockings—were chosen for their personal touch, as opposed to mass‑produced factory ornaments.
• Family photo collage: In the West Front Hall, a large collage of photographs featuring the Trump family was hung. The images included scenes from family vacations, holiday parties, and everyday moments captured in the White House. “These pictures remind us that even in a place as grand as the White House, we are still a family,” she remarked.
• “Heart” centerpiece: A large, heart‑shaped glass sculpture was placed in the dining room to serve as the focal point for holiday dinners. The sculpture was crafted by a local glass artist and was described as “a symbol of unity and love.”
• Soft lighting: In addition to traditional string lights, the decor includes warm, amber‑hued LED bulbs to create a cozy ambience that evokes the feeling of a home fire.

These elements were carefully arranged to complement one another, creating an atmosphere that feels both regal and accessible.

A Tribute to Tradition and a New Narrative

The White House has a long history of holiday décor that reflects the personal taste of the First Family. President Kennedy’s 1963 “Christmas at the White House” event set a precedent that was carried forward by Presidents from Johnson to Obama, each adding their own flair. In this context, Trump’s theme is notable for its blend of continuity and innovation: while she keeps the core elements—tree, lights, ornaments—intact, she introduces a storytelling angle that centers on the family’s emotional bonds.

Melania herself has acknowledged that the theme is also a subtle nod to her personal journey. She once described how her own childhood home in New York was “the first place where I learned to celebrate the holidays with love and laughter.” By echoing this sentiment in the White House, she invites the nation to reflect on the meaning of home beyond the physical space.

Looking Ahead

The article also touched on how the decorations will evolve over the holiday season. According to Trump, the “heart” will remain present at every event—from the annual White House Christmas dinner to the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Oval Office. She hinted at a possible “home‑grown” touch to the holiday menu, stating that “the food, like the décor, will be prepared with love.”

For those interested in seeing the decorations in action, the White House has made several photos and short video clips available on the official WhiteHouse.gov website and its associated social‑media accounts. The site also hosts a gallery of past holiday decor that allows visitors to compare the evolution of the White House’s seasonal aesthetics over the decades.

In sum, Melania Trump’s announcement of the “home is where the heart is” theme for the White House’s holiday décor offers a heartfelt look at how personal history can shape national traditions. By blending classic motifs with intimate details, the former First Lady has set a tone that is both respectful of the White House’s storied past and reflective of her own familial values. Whether you’re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration for your own holiday setup, the Trump family’s approach provides a fresh, heartfelt perspective on how we all can bring the spirit of “home” into the world.