President Biden took part in the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse, marking his last participation in the tradition before he leaves the White House next year. The event was held on Thursday evening, with Mr. Biden returning to the White House earlier in the day after a trip to Angola at the beginning of the week.
Before departing for Angola, President Biden issued a controversial pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter had been convicted on federal drug and gun charges and had pleaded guilty to tax charges. The first lady, who attended every day of Hunter’s trial in Delaware, expressed her support for the pardon, stating, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.”
The National Christmas Tree for this year is a 35-foot Red Spruce sourced from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. The tree is accompanied by 58 smaller trees adorned with student-designed ornaments from each state and territory. The 102nd Tree Lighting Ceremony featured performances by artists such as Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, James Taylor, and Trisha Yearwood, with the event broadcast on CBS on December 20.
The White House holiday decorations for 2024 followed the theme of “A Season of Peace and Light.” First lady Jill Biden unveiled the decor in the East Room earlier in the week, highlighting the values of faith, family, service to the country, kindness, and community. Over 300 volunteers from across the country contributed to decorating the White House, using over 9,810 feet of ribbon, 28,125 ornaments, and 2,200 paper doves.
Visitors to the White House during the holiday season can expect to see a festive display, including a Christmas tree dedicated to Gold Star families and a pathway adorned with bells symbolizing the peaceful sounds of the holidays. The East Room features a reflective canopy that twinkles like snowfall, with large Christmas trees guarding the entrance.
The tradition of having a Christmas tree inside the White House dates back to 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration. The first known tree was a modest affair in the Second Floor Oval Room decorated with candles by President Harrison’s grandchildren. The annual gingerbread White House, which combines various ingredients to create a replica of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is also a highlight of the holiday decorations.
Volunteers play a crucial role in bringing the holiday decorations to life at the White House. Alisa Cooper de Uribe, a first-grade bilingual teacher and 2021 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, was among the volunteers who assembled the thousands of doves. Cooper de Uribe described the experience as a sisterhood and brotherhood, emphasizing the camaraderie among the volunteers.
The centerpiece of the holiday decor in the Blue Room is an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina. The tree, named “Tremendous,” survived Hurricane Helene, paying tribute to the resilience of North Carolina communities affected by the disaster. The state dining room features ornaments with self-portraits of students, including four of de Uribe’s first graders.
Overall, the White House holiday decorations for 2024 showcase a theme of peace and light, with elaborate displays created by dedicated volunteers and a focus on celebrating the spirit of the season. As President Biden prepares to leave office, this final holiday season at the White House marks a time of reflection and celebration of cherished traditions.
