White House Christmas Music Traditions You’ll Love

From “The Nutcracker Suite” to “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the White House has been playing holiday music for centuries to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Introduction

Most people know that the White House is decked out in holiday decorations and there is a large Christmas tree in the front lawn. But did you know that there are many other traditions that take place during Christmastime at the White House? From musical performances to decorating gingerbread houses, the White House goes all out for the holidays. In this article, we will discuss some of the most loved Christmas traditions at the White House.

A Brief History of White House Christmas Music

Christmas music has been a part of American holiday tradition for centuries. Early Christmas music was heavily influenced by English and Irish traditions, but over time, American composers and performers have helped to create a uniquely American sound.

One of the most famous White House Christmas traditions is the annual lighting of the national Christmas tree. This tradition began in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first official White House Christmas tree. Since then, each president has continued this tradition, and the tree lighting ceremony has become a much-anticipated event each holiday season.

Another popular White House Christmas tradition is the playing of festive music on the grounds of the presidential residence. Throughout the years, many famous musicians have performed at the White House during Christmastime, including legendary jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, country music star Dolly Parton, and pop sensation Justin Bieber.

No matter what your favorite type of Christmas music is, you’re sure to find something to enjoy from the wide variety of performers who have graced the stage at the White House during Christmases past.

The First Christmas Tree in the White House

Tom and Jerry, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer… these are all iconic Christmas specials that bring the holiday spirit into our homes. But did you know that the first official White House Christmas tree was not put up until the late 1800s? Let’s take a look at the history of this Christmas tradition.

The First White House Christmas Tree

In 1889, two years after President Grover Cleveland and his family moved into the White House, the first Christmas tree was placed in the second floor oval room, now known as the Blue Room. The tree, a massive 20 feet tall and adorned with candles, toys, popcorn strings and fruit, was a gift from New York City Mayor Abram Hewitt. The New York Times reported that “among the children pressing around the giant evergreen was nine-year old Ruth Cleveland, daughter of the President.”

Over the next few years, various newspapers noted that Christmas trees had become an annual tradition in the White House. In 1899, The Washington Post reported that there were two Christmas trees in the Blue Room: one “clothed in white” and one “trimmed with red.” And in 1902, The New York Times described a scene in which two dozen young boys and girls “stood around a mammoth Christmas tree,” which was decorated with “girlish dolls” and “toys for little boys.”

In 1923, First Lady Grace Coolidge brought the tradition of an outdoor National Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. Set up on the Ellipse south of the White House grounds, President Calvin Coolidge lit the tree’s electric lights with a button from his desk inside the White House.

The First Christmas Tree in the White House

The first Christmas tree in the White House was placed in the State Dining Room in 1856 by President Franklin Pierce. The custom of adding a Christmas tree to the White House began with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. In 1961, she decorated a small live tree with ornaments made by her children and placed it in the Blue Room.

The First White House Christmas Card

Although the Obamas were the first to include a family photo on their White House Christmas card, the first White House Christmas card was actually sent out by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. Eisenhower’s card featured a photo of the White House at Christmas time, with a message from the President and First Lady.

The First White House Christmas Card

The first White House Christmas card was sent out in 1953. It was a very simple card, with a family photo of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, on the front and “Merry Christmas” written in gold letters on the back. The card caused quite a stir at the time because it broke with the tradition of sending out cards that featured religious or patriotic themes.

The First White House Christmas Card

The first White House Christmas card was designed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s daughter, Jane, in 1953. The card featured a family photo of the Eisenhowers and their dog, Heidi. “Wishing you every happiness this holiday season,” the card read.

Since then, White House Christmas cards have been sent out annually to friends and supporters of the president. The cards typically feature a holiday message from the president and first lady, as well as a photo of the family or a White House Christmas scene.

In recent years, the Obamas’ Christmas cards have included messages of hope and inclusion. “As we light the national Christmas tree, we celebrate all the traditions that make our country great,” President Barack Obama wrote in his 2016 holiday message. “May your family have a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.”

This year, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump’s Christmas card features a gold-embossed presidential seal and a photo of the Trumps standing in front of a fireplace in the Cross Hall of the White House. “Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy New Year!” the Trumps’ message reads.

The First White House Christmas Ornament

Every year since 1961, the White House Historical Association has commissioned an official White House Christmas Ornament. These beautiful ornaments are created to capture the spirit of the White House and the Christmas season. The first White House Christmas ornament was created in 1961 by Robert L. McDowell and featured a simple design of the White House.

The First White House Christmas Ornament

In 1981, during the Ronald Reagan administration, the first official White House Christmas Ornament was created. The White House Historical Association Ornament honors a different president each year and is available for purchase online and in stores.

Since then, the Historical Association has continued the tradition of designing an ornament to commemorate each president. The ornaments are made of brass and 24-karat gold, and they feature the president’s likeness on one side and the seal of the presidency on the other. They come in a satin-lined box with a ribbon for hanging.

The ornaments are popular collectors’ items, and they make great gifts for history buffs and holiday decorators alike. If you’re looking for a unique way to show your support for your favorite president, or if you just want to start a new holiday tradition, consider picking up a White House Christmas Ornament.

The First White House Christmas Ornament

In 1874, President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, decided to celebrate the holidays at the White House for the first time. To mark the occasion, they commissioned an English firm to create a set of 25 glass ornaments shaped like fruits and vegetables. The Grants hung the ornaments on the White House Christmas tree and invited their children and grandchildren to help decorate it.

The First White House Christmas Ornament was a hit with the family, and they decided to make it a tradition. Every year since then, a new ornament has been added to the collection. Today, there are more than 50 Ornaments in the White House Collection, each one representing a different moment in American history.

You can purchase your own copy of the Official White House Christmas Ornament at the online store or at select retailers nationwide.

The First White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

It all started in 1889 when President Benjamin Harrison lit the first White House Christmas tree. The event was a small gathering with family and close friends in the President’s private residence. Today, the tree lighting ceremony is a public event that attracts thousands of people from all over the country.

The First White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

It all started with a small Christmas tree in the White House and a young girl’s wish. In 1856, fifteen-year-old Caroline Kemble Warren wrote to President Franklin Pierce asking him to place a Christmas tree in the White House. The President responded by sending her a live evergreen tree, which was set up in the telegraph room. It was an instant hit with the staff, who placed presents around it and decorated it with candles.

The tradition of having a Christmas tree in the White House continued off and on for the next few decades, sometimes with live trees and sometimes with artificial ones. But it wasn’t until 1923 that the first official White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held. President Calvin Coolidge lit an enormous balsam fir in front of a group of children from local orphanages. The event was so popular that it became an annual tradition, one that is still going strong today.

Over the years, the White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has evolved into a grand affair. It now takes place on the South Lawn, with thousands of spectators in attendance. The president and first family stand on a stage decorated with garlands and lights, while carolers provide holiday music and children from across the country recite readings and sing songs. At the end of the program, everyone joins in as the president flips the switch to light up the massive National Christmas Tree.

The First White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Every Christmas, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a much-anticipated event. But did you know that the first White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony actually took place in 1923? That’s right – the tradition started almost a century ago!

Here’s a look at how the first White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony came about:

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree on the White House grounds. The tree was a 16-foot balsam fir donated by famed horticulturist Richard Kleberg.

The first tree lighting ceremony was relatively low-key, with only a few people in attendance. However, it did start a tradition that has continued for almost a century!

In subsequent years, the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony has become a highly anticipated annual event. Today, it is televised live and attracts visitors from all over the country.