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| Christmas Carnivals » White Christmas » White House Christmas Trees |
White House Christmas Trees |
Christmas is never the same without Christmas trees. And Christmas trees are never the same without the different types of lights and other decorations. White House Christmas trees are gorgeous affair, complete with hordes of holiday decorations. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the White House Christmas tree is enough to take one's breath away.
The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning by President Benjamin Harrison. The President's grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was well decorated. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Benjamin Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver-dollar-shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.
Having a huge decorated Christmas tree has become a national tradition. White House Christmas trees reflect both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a "technology savvy" tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky.
Today, the First Lady selects a theme and taps the talents of American artisans, who give life to the idea. Laura Bush chose "Home for the Holidays" for the 2001 theme, which features replicas of the family homes of the nation's Presidents. Connect to Christmas Carnivals to know more.
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