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The History of White House Christmas Trees, Including Theodore Roosevelt’s “Ban” of the Holiday Tradition
It is well-known that the White House has a long-standing tradition of displaying a Christmas tree in its Blue Room. However, many may not be aware that this tradition was not always as widespread as it is today.
In fact, former President Theodore Roosevelt’s son, young Archibald “Archie” Roosevelt, is credited with introducing a miniature tree into the White House during his father’s presidency. The tree was placed in a closet and decorated by Archie himself, who proudly presented it to his family.
Despite this initial attempt at starting a Christmas tradition within the White House, there is no evidence that suggests the president allowed for a large tree to be displayed during his time in office. According to the White House Association, Roosevelt’s lack of participation in the holiday tradition was not due to any conservationist or environmental concerns, as some researchers have suggested. Instead, it appears that the Roosevelt family did not observe this tradition.
It wasn’t until several years later, under President William H. Taft, that a Christmas tree was first displayed on White House grounds. It is reported that Taft’s children surprised their parents by setting up a tree in the Blue Room, marking a turning point in the development of the holiday tradition within the executive mansion.
It wasn’t until the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower that a Christmas tree became a consistent feature of White House decor. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower led the effort to make the display an annual event, with each subsequent first lady continuing this practice.
The 1960s saw significant changes in the White House’s approach to Christmas decorations. Under President John F. Kennedy, the National Geographic Society provided the tree and decorations, which was a departure from earlier years when the tree was typically sourced from local nurseries. Additionally, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is credited with introducing themed decorations, starting with a “Nutcracker Suite” theme in 1961.
Today, the White House still continues to decorate its annual Christmas tree, often partnering with families and organizations to provide a tree for display. The 2024 selection was provided by Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, North Carolina.
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Source: http://www.foxnews.com
