A Christmas tree is seen in the Red Room during a press preview of the White House’s holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
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A Christmas tree is seen in the Red Room during a press preview of the White House’s holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
For their first Christmas at the White House, the Bidens will celebrate with a “gifts from the heart” theme for their holiday decorations.
In Revealing the theme on Monday, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden explained:
“The sacred things we hold unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the constraints of pandemics: faith, family, and friendship; love of art, learning and nature; gratitude, service and community; solidarity and peace These are gifts that bind the heart threads of our lives together.”
A decorative portrait of U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hangs from the Christmas Tree in the State Dining Room of the White House during a press preview of holiday decorations on June 29 November 2021 in Washington, DC.
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A decorative portrait of U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hangs from the Christmas Tree in the State Dining Room of the White House during a press preview of holiday decorations on June 29 November 2021 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
In just one week, more than 100 local volunteers decorated the outside and inside of the White House with 41 Christmas trees, 6,000 sets of ribbons and more than 78,750 holiday lights.
Each room in the White House celebrates a different gift
In the East Colonnade and East Landing, Doves and shooting stars adorn the corridors. The decorations honor the service of COVID-19 frontline workers and first responders. Featured here is a Christmas tree honoring the military, “who gave their lives for our country, and the families who carry their legacy.”
The library is decorated with stacks of books, birds and butterflies created from recycled newspaper; It represents the aptitude for learning. The Vermeil room is decorated with colorful paint swatches and brushes, demonstrating a gift for the visual arts.
Wreaths are seen on the backs of chairs in the gallery of the White House’s national porcelain collection. The holiday decorations represent the gift of friendship and sharing.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
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Wreaths are seen on the backs of chairs in the gallery of the White House’s national porcelain collection. The holiday decorations represent the gift of friendship and sharing.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
The East Room, the largest room in the White House, symbolizes the gift of gratitude. It is decorated with Neapolitan crèche including more than 40 figurines from the 18th century; Cakes have been on display every holiday season since 1967.
A White House Military social aide looks up close to the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
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A White House Military social aide looks up close to the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
The Blue Room, where the official White House Christmas tree is located, symbolizes the gift of peace and unity. Pigeons bearing embossed banners for each state and territory of the United States descend on the tree.
The red room, decorated to represent gifts of the performing arts, including brass instruments hanging from the fireplace. Ballet sandals, taplo shoes and musical notes are strung around the tree.
A White House gingerbread cookie is seen in the State Dining Room during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
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A White House gingerbread cookie is seen in the State Dining Room during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations in Washington, DC on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
The State Dining Room represents the gift of family. It has a gingerbread White House, made from 55 sheets of baked gingerbread. It features eight detailed replicas of community buildings honoring frontline workers, including a hospital, police station and fire station.
Members of the United States Marine Corps Band play holiday music during a press tour of the White House’s Christmas decorations in Washington, DC, on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
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Members of the United States Marine Corps Band play holiday music during a press tour of the White House’s Christmas decorations in Washington, DC, on November 29, 2021.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images
Grand Foyer and Cross Hall represent the gift of faith and community. This area is decorated with floating candles. Corridor alcoves and tree displays depict winter scenes of towns and cities, representing the cohesion of communities.
Tien Le is an intern at NPR’s News Desk.
