This year, Jill Biden reintroduced the ‘People’s House’ concept to the Christmas decorations at the White House.
The first lady selected ‘We the People’ as the theme for the executive mansion’s holiday decorations, which include do-it-yourself ornaments and mirrors that reflect the guests that walk the halls now that the COVID pandemic is waning.
According to the East Wing, more than 50,000 people are anticipated to see the White House throughout the holiday season.
Three of the 77 Christmas trees are designated for Gold Star Families. There are 83,615 holiday lights that illuminate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and decorations around the White House, with 25 traditional wreaths adorning the north and south sides.
The Blue Room’s primary Christmas tree is decked with the state birds of all fifty states. The base of the tree is a real nest made of wood. On the state plaque for the East, the state bird is identified. Additionally, wooden bird houses cover the 19-foot white fir.
In the State Dining Room, the fireplace stockings bear the names of the Bidens’ grandchildren. And this is the first stocking for Peter Neal, whom Naomi Biden married this weekend.
Also included are stockings for the first dog, Commander, and the first cat, Willow. The pets appear three times in various locations around the White House’s decor.
The trees in the State Dining Room represent the teaching experience of Jill Biden.
The ornaments on the Christmas trees are self-portraits done by the students of the national Teachers of the Year for 2021.
The traditional Gingerbread White House is comprised of 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 40 pounds of royal icing.
A gingerbread model of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed, is on display.
It is one of countless references to “We the People” found throughout the state chambers. The preamble of the United States Constitution is printed on paper banners that decorate the windows of the library.
“We the People” is and always has been the soul of our nation. This was the inspiration for this year’s White House holiday decorations,’ Jill Biden will say when she thanks the more than 150 volunteers who spent the last week decorating the White House.
During her time in the White House, the first lady has visited over forty states. These travels have inspired her.
Shortly after the Easter Egg Roll, preparation for the White House begins, and the concept is finalized by July 4th.
Jill Biden and President Joe Biden, who spent the Thanksgiving holiday on Nantucket, returned to the White House on Sunday evening and saw the decorations for the first time.
Carlos Elizondo, the White House social secretary who greeted the president and first lady upon their return, stated, “They were swept away by the beauty and how the home was changed while they were away for Thanksgiving.”
He said that the first lady was delighted with the outcome. This is her vision, and it took an entire community to execute it.
Jill Biden incorporated DIY elements into the decorations so that guests could recreate them at home.
“It is essential that the first lady’s Christmas decorations be approachable and able to inspire people at home,” Elizabeth Alexander, the director of communications for the East Wing, claimed that numerous do-it-yourself elements will be incorporated throughout the White House in an effort to motivate individuals to replicate them at home.
Windows facing the South Lawn in the Green Room are adorned with bells hung on streamers. Some of the bells are made from craft store-purchased plastic cups, shower rings, twine, and ribbons.
Upon entering the White House, visitors will “walk through the snow,” a winter forest of hand-painted paper mache trees. The lobby entrance is decorated with mirrors that reflect the guests. In addition, creatures such as rabbits, foxes, and owls conceal themselves among the trees.
The animals were produced by volunteers during the preceding week.
The decor in the various state rooms reflects objects that unite individuals.
The China room highlights culinary and cooking traditions.
The trees are adorned with garlands of wooden spoons, measuring cups, and rolling pins.
In addition, recipe cards submitted by volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays line the mantel of the fireplace.
The Library features books in the shape of Christmas trees and is dedicated to the stories that unite people.
The Red Room is decorated with candles as a symbol of faith and to promote quiet contemplation. In addition, orchids, one of Jill Biden’s favorite flowers, are used.
The musical motif of the Green Room is drawn from Christmas carols. Among the ornaments are sleigh bells, hand bells, and jingle bells.
The East Room is devoted to snow-covered trees and nature. The fireplace mantels feature images of four National Parks: the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.
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