And then we visited the White House for Christmas!
After checking into our hotel in Washington DC, we walked on…City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style where In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas to the White House to see all the outdoor decorations.
Surrounding the National Tree were smaller trees representing each of the states and territories, with ornaments crafted by people in those states.
Virginia Christmas tree…
Texas Christmas tree
Excitement filled the air as model trains clickety-clacked around all the trees.
EAST WING CHRISTMAS TOUR
With a theme of the Time-Honored Traditions at the White House throughout its history, we saw the East Wing bedecked with Christmas cheer of 71 wreaths, 53 Christmas trees, over 18,000 feet of lights, over 12,000 ornaments, 31,000 baked Christmas cookies, and a 350 pound Gingerbread House due to the efforts of over 16,000 hours decorating by over 150 volunteers.
HONORING THE TROOPS
The tour began with a patriotically decorated tree honoring the troops.
THE VERMEIL ROOM
Enhancing the decorations were the beautifully decorated rooms that Jacqueline Kennedy oversaw while restoring the White House during her husband’s presidency in 1961…a part I enjoyed researching for my persona a few years ago.
THE LIBRARY
On display on the podium is President Franklin Roosevelt’s copy of A Christmas Carol from 1866.
THE CHINA ROOM
THE EAST ROOM
The huge nativity perfectly filled the room.
THE GREEN ROOM
Crafts over the years decorate the Green Room.
THE BLUE ROOM
Taller than 18 feet is the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.
THE RED ROOM
THE STATE DINING ROOM
The plaster work throughout the White House is amazing, but in the State Dining Room it is especially amazing…
The 350 snowy gingerbread White House played off the elaborate plaster work in the room.
LAFAYETTE
Lafayette looking into the State Dining Room…
My son taking a picture of Lafayette…I trained him well!
WINTER WONDERLAND
This winter wonderland represents the Nutcracker Suite, which was the first themed Christmas at the White House from 1961 when Kennedy was president.
(sigh) That was the most wonderful Christmas tour I had ever taken.
