White House Christmas tree facts for kids

The 2005 Christmas Tree in the White House's Blue Room

The White House Christmas Tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official indoor Christmas tree at the residence of the President of the United States, the White House. The first indoor Christmas tree was installed in the White House sometime in the 19th century (there are varying claims as to the exact year) and since 1961 the tree has had a themed motif at the discretion of the First Lady of the United States.

History

President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with the first themed Blue Room tree in 1961.

The 2002 Blue Room Christmas tree.

First tree

There are two claims to the "first" genuine White House Christmas tree. President Franklin Pierce is said to have had the first indoor Christmas tree at the White House during the 1850s, variously reported as 1853 or 1856. More credible sources state that it was, in fact, President Benjamin Harrison's who had the first indoor tree (either in 1888, 1889, or 1891). First Lady Caroline Harrison helped decorate the tree, which was installed in the second floor oval parlor, today's Yellow Oval Room. There is an 1880 reference to President John Tyler in the 1840s, hosting a children's party at which there was a Christmas tree with gifts.

General

Following the Harrison administration indoor trees were not always used at the White House. First Lady Lou Henry Hoover began the tradition of presidential wives decorating the White House tree with the first "official" White House Christmas tree in 1929. In 1961 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the White House Christmas tree by decorating with a Nutcracker motif.

Years without a tree

As stated, there were years where no indoor White House Christmas tree was installed at all. It is verifiable that there was no Christmas tree in the White House in 1902, 1904, 1907, and 1922. The lack of a tree in 1902 was due to the fact that President Theodore Roosevelt had not ordered one by December 23.

Additionally, other presidents never displayed a tree in the White House. First U.S. President George Washington held office at a time when there was no White House, thus it is impossible for him to have displayed a tree there. There is no evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever displayed a Christmas tree in the White House. In 1922 First Lady Florence Harding's illness led to a more subdued Christmas celebration at the White House and no Christmas tree.

Tree

The 2007 Blue Room Christmas tree arrives by horse-drawn carriage

Description

The White House Christmas tree is selected from various growers nationwide. Growers in the state of North Carolina have provided 12 trees, more than any other state. The states of Washington and Wisconsin, as of 2011, share the second highest total of trees provided for the White House with seven. The White House Christmas tree has been displayed in the Blue Room many times since 1961. It has also occasionally been displayed in the Entrance Hall.

Generally, there is more than one Christmas tree in and around the White House, for instance, in 1997 there were 36, in 2008 there were 27. Traditionally, the tree in the Blue Room is the official White House Christmas tree. The White House Christmas tree usually stands nearly 20 feet tall and the crystal chandelier in the Blue Room must be removed for the tree to fit the room. Frequently, the tree's height is reported as 18 or 18½ feet tall. The Blue Room tree is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). The NCTA has donated the tree since 1966; it is chosen through a contest among members of the trade group.

Official list (1961–2020)

Image	Year	Species and location grown	Ornamentation notes	First Lady	Location	Theme
	2020	Fraser fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia	Students across the country were asked to artistically depict what makes their state beautiful by highlighting the people, places, and things that capture the spirit of their state. Glistening on the branches of this Fraser fir, their mini masterpieces collectively showcase America.	Melania Trump	Blue Room	America the Beautiful
	2019	Colorado blue spruce, Palmyra, Pennsylvania		Melania Trump	Blue Room	The Spirit of America
	2018	Fraser fir, Newland, North Carolina		Melania Trump	Blue Room	American Treasures
	2017	Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin		Melania Trump	Blue Room	Time-Honored Traditions
	2016	Douglas fir, Oconto, Wisconsin		Michelle Obama	Blue Room	The Gift of the Holidays
	2015	Fraser fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania	The Blue Room tree was "dedicated to our nation's service members, veterans, and their families, it is ornamented with holiday messages of hope for our troops and patriotic symbols of red, white, and blue."	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	A Timeless Tradition
	2014	Concolor fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania	The Blue Room Tree had a theme within the overall theme - "America the Brave". Ornaments were made by children on U.S. military bases worldwide. The ornaments included many thank-you cards from children to members of the U.S. military.	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	A Children's Winter Wonderland
	2013	Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania	Ornaments paid tribute to military families. Children living on military bases contributed greeting cards in the shape of their home state. Those were hung from the tree along with round ornaments that silhouetted each state and territory.	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	Gather Around: Stories of the Season
	2012	Fraser fir, Jefferson, North Carolina	Tree dedicated to U.S. military members, veterans and their families. Ornaments were decorated by children living on U.S. military bases worldwide.	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	Joy to All
	2011	Balsam fir, Neshkoro, Wisconsin	Medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches were displayed on ornaments.	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	Shine, Give, Share
	2010	Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania	The Blue Room tree had a specific theme within the overall theme – "Gift of the American Spirit." It honored state and county fairs and featured prize ribbons from each state and territory.	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	"Simple Gifts"
	2009	Douglas fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia	"We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House."	Michelle Obama	Blue Room	Reflect, Rejoice, Renew
	2008	Fraser fir, Crumpler, North Carolina	Ornaments designed by artists from around the country selected by members of Congress. The ornaments had a patriotic theme.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	A Red, White, and Blue Christmas
	2007	Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina	Each ornament represented one of the 391 National Park Service sites.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	Holiday in the National Parks
	2006	Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania	Crystals and ornaments of iridescent glass	Laura Bush	Blue Room	Deck the Halls and Welcome All
	2005	Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina	White lilies, crystal spheres and light-catching garland	Laura Bush	Blue Room	All Things Bright and Beautiful
	2004	Noble fir, Rochester, Washington	Musical instruments hand-painted by members of the Society of Decorative Painters.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	A Season of Merriment and Melody
	2003	Fraser fir, Wisconsin	Ornaments first used by Barbara Bush in 1989.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	A Season of Stories
	2002	Noble fir, Elma, Washington	An artist from each state designed an ornament based on a native bird.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	All Creatures Great and Small
	2001	White fir, Middleburg, Pennsylvania	An artist from each state designed miniature replicas of historic houses from their region.	Laura Bush	Blue Room	Home for the Holidays
	2000	Douglas fir, Auburn, Pennsylvania	Ornaments were from the First Lady's past.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Holiday Reflections
	1999	Noble fir, Elma, Washington	Doll makers fashioned toys of American historical figures for this tree.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Holiday Treasures at the White House
	1998	Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin	Knitting Guild of America and the Society of Decorative Painters worked together with fabric artists from each state on the ornaments.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Winter Wonderland
	1997	Fraser fir, Grassy Creek, North Carolina	Members of the National Needlework Association and Council of Fashion Designers of America joined with glass artisans to design the trimmings.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Santa's Workshop
	1996	Colorado blue spruce, Coshocton, Ohio	Woodcraft artisans and professional ballet companies helped with the ornaments.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Nutcracker Suite
	1995	Fraser fir, North Carolina	Ornaments contributed by American architecture students and members of the American Institute of Architects.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	A Visit From St. Nicholas
	1994	Blue spruce, Missouri	Ornaments contributed by American art students.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	The Twelve Days of Christmas
	1993	Fraser fir, North Carolina	More than 1,000 artists contributed angel-themed ornaments.	Hillary Clinton	Blue Room	Angels
	1992	Grand fir, Oregon	White House florists made 88 gift-giving characters.	Barbara Bush	Blue Room	Gift-givers
	1991	Noble fir, Salem, Oregon	Saintly Stitchers of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston created a needlepoint village and 92 pieces for a White House staff built Noah's Ark.	Barbara Bush	Blue Room	Needle work tree
	1990	Fraser fir, North Carolina	Used miniature porcelain dancers.	Barbara Bush	Blue Room	Nutcracker Suite
	1989	Fraser fir, Pennsylvania	White House staff created 80 soft-sculpture literary characters.	Barbara Bush	Blue Room	Family literacy
	1988	Balsam fir, Montello, Wisconsin	Reused hand-blown glass ornaments from the Eisenhower administration, and reused Nixon's state flower balls. White House carpenters made 300 wood candles.	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Old-fashioned tree
	1987	Fraser fir, West Virginia	Miniature instruments, notes and sheet music made by patients at Second Genesis	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Musical theme
	1986	Fraser fir, Washington	15 soft-sculpture nursery rhyme scenes and 100 geese made by patients at Second Genesis	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Mother Goose theme
	1985	Blue spruce, Lake City, Michigan	1,500 Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Ornaments made from Christmas cards sent to the Reagans in 1984.
	1984	Fraser fir, North Carolina	Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Ornaments made from plant material and other handcrafted natural ornaments.
	1983	Noble fir, Orting, Washington	Reused 1982 ornaments and added old-fashioned toys lent by Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum.	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Old-Fashioned toys.
	1982	Fraser fir, North Carolina	Ornaments made by patients at Second Genesis	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Foil paper cones and metallic snowflakes
	1981	Douglas fir, Pennsylvania	Nancy Reagan's first tree did not involve Second Genesis. The ornaments were loaned by the Museum of American Folk Art.	Nancy Reagan	Blue Room	Ornaments from the Museum of American Folk Art.
	1980	Douglas fir, Bristol, Indiana	Dolls, hats, fans, tapestries and laces.	Rosalynn Carter	Blue Room	Victorian theme
	1979	Douglas fir, West Virginia	Corcoran School of Art created ornaments from balsa wood, fabric and dried flowers.	Rosalynn Carter	Blue Room	American folk art of the colonial period
	1978	Veitch fir, New York	Victorian dolls and miniature furniture lent by the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum.	Rosalynn Carter	Blue Room	Antique toys
	1977	Noble fir, Washington	National Association for Retarded Citizens made eggshell ornaments.	Rosalynn Carter	Blue Room	Painted milkweed pods, nut pods, foil and eggshell ornaments.
	1976	Balsam fir, Wisconsin	Natural ornaments made by the Garden Club of America.	Betty Ford	Blue Room	"Love that is the spirit of Christmas"
	1975	Douglas fir, New York	Used ornaments from 1974 plus experts from Colonial Williamsburg made ornaments from paper snowflakes, acorns, dried fruits, pinecones, vegetables, straw, cookies and yarn.	Betty Ford	Blue Room	Old-fashioned children's Christmas
	1974	Concolor fir, Mayville, Michigan	Ornaments made by Appalachian women and senior citizens groups.	Betty Ford	Blue Room	Handmade crafts, thrift and recycling
	1973	Fraser fir, North Carolina	In honor of James Madison	Pat Nixon	Blue Room	Gold theme
	1972	Noble fir, Washington	Reused 1969 ornaments, added 3,000 pastel satin finish balls, and 150 gold federal stars.	Pat Nixon	Blue Room	Still Life with Fruit and Nature’s Bounty, paintings by Severin Roesen
	1971	Fraser fir, North Carolina	Reused 1969 ornaments, added Monroe fans, and gold foil angels.	Pat Nixon	Blue Room	American Flower Tree
	1970	White spruce, Wisconsin	Reused 1969 ornaments, added 53 Monroe fans.	Pat Nixon	Blue Room	American Flower Tree
	1969	Blue spruce, Ohio	Disabled workers from Florida made velvet and satin balls featuring each state's state flower.	Pat Nixon	North Entrance	American Flower Tree
	1968	White pine, Indianapolis	19th century American style with gingerbread cookies.	Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room	19th century gingerbread tree
	1967	Blue spruce, Ohio	Same as 1965–66 but with silver baubles, silver stars, and round mirrors added.	Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room	Early American
	1966	Balsam fir, Wisconsin	Traditional ornaments: nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies and wood roses from Hawaii.	Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room	Early American
	1965		Traditional ornaments: nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies and wood roses from Hawaii.	Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room	Early American
	1964	Balsam fir		Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room
	1963		The tree was very subdued as the nation mourned John F. Kennedy's assassination.	Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson	Blue Room
	1962		Reused ornaments from 1961 plus other ornaments made by disabled and senior citizens.	Jacqueline Kennedy	North Entrance	Childhood
	1961	Balsam fir	Toys, birds, and angels modeled after Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite ballet.	Jacqueline Kennedy	Blue Room	Nutcracker Suite

Other known White House Christmas trees