Theodore Roosevelt didn’t display a White House Christmas tree while in office, but why?

Presidents past and present have displayed breathtaking Christmas trees at the White House, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere for the holiday season. Former President Benjamin Harrison is recognized as the first president to showcase a Christmas tree in the White House, back in 1889. This historic tree, placed in the Second Floor Oval Room, was adorned with candles for Harrison’s grandchildren to enjoy.

Former President Theodore Roosevelt, who preceded the widespread tradition of Christmas trees at the White House, did not have a tree during his presidency. While there are rumors of a supposed ban on Christmas trees due to environmental concerns, the truth remains unclear. The National Christmas Tree Association suggests that Roosevelt may have been worried about the impact on forests, leading to the absence of a Christmas tree in the White House during his time.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the tradition of a Christmas tree at the White House became more consistent. Presidents before Roosevelt had the option to have a tree or not, with some choosing to embrace the tradition and others opting out. Today, the White House is adorned with multiple Christmas trees, including one that is ceremoniously lit each year.

In recent years, the White House has continued the tradition of selecting a family-owned Christmas tree farm to provide the official Christmas tree. The 2024 tree came from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, North Carolina, adding a personal touch to the holiday decor.

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy played a significant role in shaping the Christmas tree traditions at the White House. She introduced the concept of decorating the Blue Room tree with a specific theme, starting with the “Nutcracker Suite” ballet in 1961. This tradition has continued to this day, with first lady Jill Biden choosing a theme of “Season of Peace and Light” for the 2024 White House tree.

Another enduring tradition is the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which was initiated by former President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. Each year, a tree provided by the National Christmas Tree Association is displayed in the Blue Room, adding to the festive ambiance of the White House during the holiday season.

As Americans continue to celebrate Christmas with the tradition of decorating trees in their homes, the White House stands as a symbol of holiday spirit and unity. The display of beautifully adorned Christmas trees at the White House reflects the joy and magic of the season, bringing people together in celebration and goodwill.