Who started the White House holiday theme tradition?
George Washington didn’t chop down an evergreen tree – it was Jackie Kennedy who first decorated the White House in 1961 with a nutcracker theme. Decades later, the themes have grown more elaborate and the unveiling of the decorations is now an official event. Just how extravagant is the holiday decor at the White House? It depends on whether you think 33 real Christmas trees from four states, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, 862 feet of garland and 232 wreaths is extravagant. And don’t forget the 20,000 Christmas cookies that will be served and the 895,000 holiday cards from the president and first lady. What about the official Christmas tree? The official White House Christmas Tree is an 18-foot Fraser fir from Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Tree Farm in Laurel Springs, N.C., sitting in the middle of the Blue Room. What types of ornaments are on this special tree? The giant fir is decorated with 347 hand-painted ornaments meant to represent the 391 national park
