President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden were the first to write that “Gifts from the Heart”These include faith, family, friendship and unity “tie together the heart strings of our lives.”
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“The things we hold sacred unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the constraints of a pandemic: faith, family, and friendship; a love of the arts, learning, and nature; gratitude, service, and community; unity and peace. These are the gifts that tie together the heart strings of our lives. These are the Gifts from the Heart,”Jill Biden, first lady and President Joe Biden sent a welcoming letter to mark the beginning of the commemorative 2021 White House Holiday Guide.
“As we celebrate our first holiday season in the White House, we are inspired by the Americans we have met across the country, time and again reminding us that our differences are precious and our similarities infinite,”They wrote.
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The letter continued: “We wish you a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season. As we look to a new year full of possibility, may gifts from the heart light our path forward.”
White House decorations were decorated using over 6,000 feet of ribbon, 300 candles as well as 10,000 ornaments and 78,750 holiday lights.
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The unveiling Monday featured holiday music by the US Marine Band as stars were projected onto the ceiling.
The White House has 41 Christmas trees.
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One of these trees is found in the Red Room.
The Blue Room houses the official White House Christmas tree.
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The tree is decorated using doves and a banner featuring the words “The Banner of the Virgin” Names for every US state or territory
The East Colonnade is characterized by glowing stars hanging from the ceiling and clear blue circles lining the windows.
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The windows open onto the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.
The window decorations include cutouts from doves.
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Shooting stars and doves are representative “peace and light brought to us all by the service of frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic,”According to the White House Holiday Guide.
The East Landing’s Gold Star Tree pays tribute to fallen US military personnel.
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The ornaments with the gold stars feature the names, ranks, and dates of death of fallen soldiers.
The Library is decorated using butterflies and birds made from recycled newspapers as well as ribbons that read “Hope,” “Kindness,”And “Joy.”
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The Library decorations are for educators. “found ways to connect with students in new and innovative ways, pushing through the challenges of the pandemic,”According to the White House Holiday Guide.
Vermeil Room: Paintbrush wreaths “celebrate the Gift of Visual Arts,”According to the White House Holiday Guide.
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The Vermeil Room features portraits of Jacqueline Kennedy (first lady) and Lou Henry Hoover (first lady).
Each chair in the China Room is adorned with a wreath.
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The China Room features china and tableware used by former presidents.
Closer inspection reveals interlocking stars in the wreaths.
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“This holiday, as you gather hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart around the dinner table, we hope the China Room inspires you to share healing laughs, comforting meals, and warm memories with loved ones, extending the Gift of Friendship and Sharing,”The White House Holiday Guide.
The Obama state china is placed at the China Room table.
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Michelle Obama, the former first lady, chose an alternative in 2015. ocean-inspired “Kailua Blue”ColorTheir state china is a nod towards former President Barack Obama’s native state of Hawaii.
The East Room décor is focused on the theme of gratitude.
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The White House’s East Room is the largest, and hosts many public receptions or ceremonies.
The ornaments include letters and thank you notes from Biden.
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“Dear President Biden,”One letter says, “I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers continually.”
Also included are notes and drawings by young writers.
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One card features a drawing by Biden (“age 78″An American flag is also included.
The State Dining Room Christmas Trees feature photos of the Bidens as well past presidents.
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An image of the Bidens is displayed next to one of Obamas.
Pictured with their families are former presidents John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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FDR is seen holding his grandchildren in 1930s.
Photo collection includes Melania Trump and Donald Trump, former presidents.
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The Trumps are seen welcoming the White House Christmas tree.
The State Dining Room’s most prominent attraction is the 2021 Gingerbread White House. It was created by White House pastry Chef Susan Morrison.
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Morrison is the first White House female pastry chef Built the gingerbread White HouseWith 55 sheets of gingerbread, 120 lb pastillage, 35 lb chocolate and 25 lbs of royal icing.
Gingerbread buildings flanking the White House are dedicated to essential and frontline workers.
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The display features a gingerbread police station and fire station, as well as a school, post office and grocery store.
The decorations of the Grand Foyer as well as the Cross Hall are centered around the “Gift of Faith and Community.”
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“The hallway alcoves and tree displays depict wintry scenes of life within our towns and cities, reflecting the solace of faith, the lasting bonds of community, and the perseverance of the American spirit,”The White House Holiday Guide.