ONE: Unwrapping Historic Traditions: The First White House Christmas Tree

In the United States, we enjoy many holiday traditions that are rooted deep in historical lineages. In this series, we will unpack the lesser-known historical facts about the Christmas season and how U.S. Presidents have embraced traditions we enjoy each year.

Image created by the author.

The first recorded Christmas tree in the White House was introduced by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889. However, the tradition wasn’t widely popularized until President Franklin Pierce’s administration in the 1850s when the first recorded Christmas tree was displayed in the White House’s second-floor oval room. The first known Christmas tree in the White House was placed upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889 (during the Benjamin Harrison administration). It was decorated with candles for the Harrison grandchildren.

In, 1981 “Angel in Flight,” was the first White House Ornament. In 1982 “Dove of Peace,” was produced and showcased in the White House, honoring President George Washington.

What started as an opportunity for First Families to come together, has blossomed into a national…