Melania Trump unveiled the White House holiday decorations on Monday, and her theme this year is “Home Is Where the Heart Is”. This is her first Christmas theme since she resumed the role of first lady after returning to the White House.
The decorations also are a window into the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is next year. The song marks the 1776 founding of the United States of America, AP reported. To honour the ‘Gold Star’ families— whose members lost lives in active duty—official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room will be there as the East room of White House is torn down.
The patriotic decor of the room was also re- emphasised by the stars, roses, and oak leaves. A White House statement said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. special and that shared values unite Americans.The statement added: “In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude… Home Is Where The Heart Is.”
The State Floor includes the East Room; Green, Blue, and Red Rooms; State Dining Room; Cross Hall; and Grand Foyer. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected this month for tours, receptions, and holiday parties. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico on Pennsylvania Avenue, using a new semi-permanent walkway. Some rooms — the Library, Vermeil Room, and China Room — were removed from the tour route because of construction.
A large team of volunteers decorated the White House using 75 wreaths, 51 trees, more than 700 feet of garland, 2,000+ light strands, 25,000+ feet of ribbon, 2,800+ gold stars, 10,000+ butterflies, and 120 pounds of gingerbread, as cited by AP. Most decorating work was done after the Trumps left for Thanksgiving in Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 25. They returned to the White House on Sunday as the decorations were finished. The official Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring military families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The tree also features ornaments with the official bird and flower of every U.S. state and territory, following tradition. The Green Room focuses on family fun and displays portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces each. The Red Room is filled with thousands of butterflies, celebrating young people and connecting to Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future program, part of her Be Best initiative.
The gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room shows the South Portico and offers a look into the Yellow Oval Room decorated on the second floor. Melania Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths with red bows are displayed on the exterior windows of the White House.
During the first Trump administration, Melania Trump was secretly recorded in 2018 complaining about traditional first lady Christmas duties, including holiday preparations, as noted by AP. These recordings were made by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, her former friend and adviser, who later wrote a book and gave the tapes to CNN, which broadcast them.
The theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” celebrating family, kindness, and America’s 250th anniversary.
Q2. Why does the Blue Room Christmas tree honor Gold Star families this year?
It honors Gold Star families because the East Wing was demolished, so the tribute tree was moved to the Blue Room.
The decorations also are a window into the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is next year. The song marks the 1776 founding of the United States of America, AP reported. To honour the ‘Gold Star’ families— whose members lost lives in active duty—official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room will be there as the East room of White House is torn down.
White House Christmas decorations theme
The East Wing and its walkway were demolished in October by President Donald Trump as part of his plan to build a large ballroom. Red, white and blue swamped through the decorated East room as national symbols like golden eagle glittered it as well for the America250 celebration.The patriotic decor of the room was also re- emphasised by the stars, roses, and oak leaves. A White House statement said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. special and that shared values unite Americans.The statement added: “In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude… Home Is Where The Heart Is.”
Melania Trump holiday decor details
The White House said Melania Trump personally selected every detail of the holiday décor, and planning starts months earlier, as per the report by AP. Public tours were suspended for months because of the ballroom construction, but tours resume Tuesday with a shorter route limited to the State Floor.The State Floor includes the East Room; Green, Blue, and Red Rooms; State Dining Room; Cross Hall; and Grand Foyer. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected this month for tours, receptions, and holiday parties. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico on Pennsylvania Avenue, using a new semi-permanent walkway. Some rooms — the Library, Vermeil Room, and China Room — were removed from the tour route because of construction.
A large team of volunteers decorated the White House using 75 wreaths, 51 trees, more than 700 feet of garland, 2,000+ light strands, 25,000+ feet of ribbon, 2,800+ gold stars, 10,000+ butterflies, and 120 pounds of gingerbread, as cited by AP. Most decorating work was done after the Trumps left for Thanksgiving in Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 25. They returned to the White House on Sunday as the decorations were finished. The official Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring military families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The tree also features ornaments with the official bird and flower of every U.S. state and territory, following tradition. The Green Room focuses on family fun and displays portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces each. The Red Room is filled with thousands of butterflies, celebrating young people and connecting to Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future program, part of her Be Best initiative.
The gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room shows the South Portico and offers a look into the Yellow Oval Room decorated on the second floor. Melania Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths with red bows are displayed on the exterior windows of the White House.
During the first Trump administration, Melania Trump was secretly recorded in 2018 complaining about traditional first lady Christmas duties, including holiday preparations, as noted by AP. These recordings were made by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, her former friend and adviser, who later wrote a book and gave the tapes to CNN, which broadcast them.
FAQs
Q1. What is the theme of Melania Trump’s 2024 White House Christmas decorations?The theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” celebrating family, kindness, and America’s 250th anniversary.
Q2. Why does the Blue Room Christmas tree honor Gold Star families this year?
It honors Gold Star families because the East Wing was demolished, so the tribute tree was moved to the Blue Room.
