Christmas at the White House

 

I took a trip to Washington, DC last week and thanks to my chica Charmaine, I had an opportunity to visit the very iconic White House.  I was in awe of the structure itself and being able to go inside was phenomenal.  The White House is currently celebrating “A Timeless Tradition” holiday theme.  Here are some photos accompanied by fun facts about each room via The White House press office.

Starting a new tradition last season, Mrs. Obama asked public school students from Washington, D.C., to share their dreams for their future in the East Colonnade. This year, those goals are featured on the hand-crafted snowflakes.  Other snowflakes represent each of the 56 states and territories and feature iconic symbols from all across America such as the state flags and seals.
 
Outside, 56 “snow people” represent the number of states and territories in the United States

Larger-than-life Bo and Sunny replicas are created out of nearly 55,000 feet of yarn knitted into 7,000 yarn pom-poms. Topiaries, wreaths, and ropes, comprised of tennis balls create a dog’s holiday dream. A holiday poem to all of America from Bo and Sunny is featured on the wall.
 
Fresh pine and greenery obelisks flank the doorways of the China Room and evergreen and eucalyptus garland adorns the fireplace, giving off a fragrant scent embodying the holiday spirit.  Alongside an 8-foot-tree, the central table is wrapped in classic navy plaid and topped with a pine tree and vibrant red gift boxes.

Throughout the room, Kailua Blue ribbons represent the Obama China Service.  Chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama and debuted earlier this year, this china pattern features a bright Kailua Blue, evoking the waters off the coast of the President’s home-state of Hawaii.
 
The Library pays homage to the more than 2,700 books. The room is themed as a holiday forest of novels and manuscripts.  The text of books decorates the room and celebrates our American story

In the State Dining Room, there is a giant gumball machine with snow-white gumballs. The Gumball Tree was created with nearly 4,000 gumballs. The room features a 6-foot-tall teddy bear and hundreds of vintage nutcrackers.  Toys, gifts, and presents garnish two Christmas trees.

The White House Gingerbread House in the State Dining Room is an annual tradition.  This year’s gingerbread house is close to 500 pounds – with more than 250 pounds of gingerbread dough, 150 pounds of dark chocolate, 25 pounds of gum paste, 25 pounds of pulled and sculpted sugar work, and 25 pounds of icing.

I kept staring at this staircase hoping that the President would come walking down to shake my hand and ask me to accompany him and the first lady for happy hour *le sigh*  
 
This year’s White House Christmas Tree, on display in the Blue Room, is an over 18 foot Fraser fir.  Messages to our troops from their families wind around the tree on a ribbon.  At the end of the holiday season, each military family will receive their portion of the ribbon as a symbol of the gratitude the nation feels for their service.  The inspiration for this tree are the stars and stripes of the American Flag which honor the service members who protect our great nation.
 
Throughout the White House there are 62 trees and over 70,000 ornaments.
 
 
 

*Secret Service NO PLAY* His eyes warned me not to touch anything and to be on my best behavior.  Actually all of the secret service staff were very friendly and believe me when I tell you that they were A LOT of them.   
Many thanks to my chica for the wonderful opportunity to visit the White House. The visit was amazing and I would encourage everyone to check out this peace of American history if you are ever in DC. 
 

White House public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress.  These self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. All White House tours are free of charge. https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events

If you just google White House Tour and include the name of your state you will likely find several links to your elected officials with online forms to request a White House tour such as the link below for my great state Georgia https://johnlewis.house.gov/serving-you/tours-and-tickets

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