Melania Trump unveils ‘America the Beautiful’ theme for White House Christmas
WASHINGTON – First lady Melania Trump on Monday revealed the theme for the first couple’s fourth Christmas in the White House: “America the Beautiful.”
The first lady said the theme is “a tribute to the majesty of our great Nation,” aimed at celebrating the country’s “boundless natural wonders.”
“Over the past four years I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens,” Trump said Monday in a statement.
“From coast to coast, the bond that all Americans share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year.”
In the White House’s Blue Room, an 18 ½-foot Fraser Fir from West Virginia serves as the official White House Christmas tree. It is decorated with ornaments made by students nationwide which showcase each state’s notable people, places and things.
In the Red Room, first responders and frontline workers battling the coronavirus pandemic are recognized. As of Monday morning, more than 13.3 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19, resulting in more than 266,000 deaths, according to a count from Johns Hopkins University.
In the State Dining Room of the White House, a gingerbread version of the White House made from more than 400 pounds of dough, gum paste, chocolate and icing includes the Rose Garden and the First Ladies’ Garden for the first time.
Decorations sit beneath a tree in Cross Hall during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Red Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The East Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Green Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The State Dining Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
A gingerbread White House stands in the State Dining Room during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The State Dining Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Red Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The East Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Blue Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
Ornaments hang from a tree during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The East Colonnade is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
Cross Hall and the Blue Room are decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
A U.S. Marine Corps band performs in the Entrance Hall of the White House during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
Decorations cover a tree in the Blue Room of the White House during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Grand Staircase of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
A toy car hangs in a Christmas tree in the East Room of the White House during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The East Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Cross Hall leading to the State Dining Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
The Cross Hall leading to the East Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
Ornaments hang from a tree during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington.
Volunteers from around the country helped decorate the executive mansion after Thanksgiving with 62 Christmas trees, 106 Christmas wreaths, more than 1,200 feet of garland, more than 3,200 strands of lights and 17,000 bows. The White House led the news media on a tour of the decor on Monday before a reception for the volunteers.
“Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked to make sure the People’s House was ready for the holiday season,” Trump said Monday. “Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
