Patriotism is theme of WH Christmas
Red and blue is incorporated into the traditional green
WASHINGTON — Melania Trump is celebrating American patriotism at the White House this Christmas, incorporating red and blue into the traditional holiday green, adding a timeline of American design, innovation and architecture, and studding a Christmas tree with her family’s annual ornament, the American flag.
The traditional gingerbread White House shares its stage with American landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge.
“It is with great joy that our family welcomes you to the White House this holiday season as we celebrate the Spirit of America,” President Donald Trump, the first lady and their son, Barron, say in the signed introduction to a souvenir book visitors will receive as a holiday keepsake. “We hope you enjoy our tribute to the traditions, customs and history that make our nation great.”
The White House previewed the decorations for journalists Monday before Trump and the first lady departed for London. Journalists were also admitted to the grounds of the Naval Observatory, official residence for Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, to see the Christmas decorations there.
The East Colonnade of the White House is lined with double rows of seethrough panels etched with more than 60 examples of American design, innovation and architecture, ranging from the Woolworth Building in New York City to the Space Needle in Seattle.
A tree dedicated to Gold Star families that lost an immediate relative during military service stands at the beginning of the hallway, while a tree decorated with an American flag glistens at the end of the colonnade.
East Room decorations are inspired by the U.S. flag and feature gilded eagle Christmas tree toppers, mirrored stars, and red and blue ribbons. In the State Dining Room, at the opposite end of the hallway, the decor continues to showcase American design.
The gingerbread White House — 200 pounds of gingerbread slathered in 25 pounds of royal icing and 35 pounds of chocolate — showcases the South Portico.