White House Christmas Decorations

Do you have your house all decked out for Christmas yet? Well, no pressure, but the White House looks great! But, wouldn't all of our homes look spectacular if we had the budget, creativity, and the 100 volunteers the White House has? I always enjoy touring the State Floor of the White House each year to see the decorations.

This year, the theme is, "Simple Gifts," a celebration of friends and family, hearth and home, and the simple things that bring joy at Christmas, according to the First Lady's office.

There's a military appreciation tree, an idea from Michelle Obama herself. Guests can write greetings on paper for service men and women.

The East Collonade features giant wreaths made of natural materials, including oranges, artichokes, and dried flowers.

There's a children's tree featuring gingerbread men that were decorated by 300 children.

The Blue Room tree is decorated with a theme of our nation's county and state fairs. All of the ornaments were made using natural, locally sourced materials. Each state and territory is represented.

A total of 97 volunteers worked to decorate the White House this year.

Here are some more fun facts:

The official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room is a Douglas-fir. It's 18 1/2 feet high, and nearly 13 feet wide!

Forty thousand pipe cleaners were used to make Bo.

There are 19 Christmas Trees along the visitor route in the White House.

Approximately 100,000 visitors are expected to see all of this at the White House this December!

And you thought YOU had a lot of house guests to prepare for? Wow.