A Portrait of Rosalynn Carter Gets the Spotlight in the White House's 2023 Christmas Decorations
The annual White House Christmas decorations were unveiled today.
"The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays," President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden shared.
The Bidens added, "In this season of reflection and goodwill, we hope you will embrace your inner child and delight in simply being present with those you love. It is a time for our senses to awaken—for each of us to smell the aroma of favorite family recipes, to hear the warmth of a dear friend’s voice, to see the glow of lights and decorations, to taste the sweetness of candies and treats, and to feel the quiet stillness and strength of faith. We hope you enjoy the holidays at the White House —’The People's House,’ your house. May the memories made here remind us all of the blessing that is our Nation."
Though the White House is decked out for the holidays in a joyous and whimsical fashion, a portrait of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died last week, is poignantly draped with black bunting (see above). Last week, the portrait, by George Augusta, was moved to a prominent location in the building. Before, it hung on the walls of the East Wing—she was the first presidential spouse to establish her own office there, and every first lady since has followed suit. Both President Biden and Dr. Biden are expected to attend a tribute service for Carter tomorrow in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here, see the best photos of the White House's 2023 Christmas decorations:
Christmas trees are seen in the East Room looking towards the Cross Hall. In total, there are 98 Christmas trees throughout the White House this year.
In the Green Room, "glowing candles and stained glass symbolize the peace, strength, and joy we find in faith," per the White House.
The Blue room features the official White House Christmas tree, an 18½ foot Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina and.
In the Grand Foyer, decorations recreate 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, featuring Santa's sleigh and reindeer suspended in the air.
Whimsical ornaments hang from the ceiling.
This Christmas tree features wooden Gold Star ornaments, engraved with the names of fallen service members.
The China Room in the White House is decorated to become the "White House Sweet Shop."
Festive holiday cakes, cookies, and gingerbread feature in the China Room.
The Vermeil Room's decorations celebrate music and performance, including a mechanical theater that feature United States Marine Band figures.
In the White House Library, the decorations celebrate the magic of bedtime stories.
They even feature notes to Santa.
Decorated statues of Commander the dog and Willow the cat, the First Family's pets, feature in the White House.
A view of Christmas trees in Cross Hall. The decorations were made possible by the National Confectioners Association, the Train Collectors Association, and the Library of Congress, along iwth the creative design teams of Burke & Pryde, DesignMa, Dodge-Chrome, Inc., Emily Barton Design, Glitterville Studios, Mark Gagnon, Rafanelli Events, and Silver Lining Design Group.
According to the White House, "14,975 feet of ribbon, over 350 candles, over 33,892 ornaments, and over 22,100 bells were used this year to decorate."
A view of the exterior of the White House, which features Christmas wreaths.
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