Melania Trump Reveals White House Holiday Decorations and Her Theme, ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump unveiled the White House holiday decorations Monday, and her theme is “home is where the heart is,” for the first time since she began her role as first lady.

His decoration also commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

In a change this year because the East Wing was demolished, the official White House Christmas tree, which is always on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, who lost a member during active-duty military service.

The tree was normally in the East Wing and first seen by visitors after entering those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were demolished by President Donald Trump in October.

The East Room is decorated in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including Golden Eagle tree toppers, to highlight the upcoming America250 national celebration. The trees are also decorated with stars, roses and oak leaves.

A statement issued by the White House said that Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes America extraordinary and that every home has its own traditions, common values ​​that unite Americans.

“In every community, we are lifted up by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that America’s heart is strong and home is where the heart is.”

The first lady selected every detail of the decorations, the White House said. Planning for the holidays starts months in advance.

Public tours of the White House were suspended a few months ago due to ballroom construction, but they are set to resume Tuesday with an updated route limited to the state floor, the first lady’s office announced in October. The state floor includes the East Room; Green, Blue and Red Rooms; State Dining Room; Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected this month for holiday tours, receptions and parties. Visitors will now enter the White House through the north portico door on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.

The library and vermilion and china rooms on the ground floor were cut off from the updated tour route due to construction.

A small army of volunteer decorators and others helped decorate the halls of the Executive Mansion using 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 m) of garland, more than 2,000 lights, and more than 25,000 feet (7,6200 m) of gold. stars, over 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kg) of gingerbread.

Most of the work was done by the time the Trumps arrived at their home in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families who have endured the ultimate sacrifice due to military service. An official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory, and this year’s tree is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.

The Green Room celebrates family fun with portraits of the first and current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each created using more than 6,000 LEGO puzzle pieces.

Thousands of butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in celebration of youth and a tribute to Melania Trump’s Future Foster Care initiative, part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people in foster care.

The Gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows the south portico of the mansion and offers a glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room in the private sitting room on the second floor as it is currently decorated.

The first lady’s signature Christmas wreath with red bows adorns the exterior windows of the White House.

During the first Trump administration, Melania Trump was secretly recorded in 2018 as she complained about doing traditional first lady duties like preparing for Christmas. The tapes were made by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former friend and senior adviser to the first lady, who wrote a book about their relationship and shared the tapes with CNN, which aired them.