In a spectacle that unfolded like a scene from a festive fairy tale, the White House transformed into a winter wonderland as First Lady Jill Biden unveiled this year’s Christmas decorations.
The theme, titled “Magic, Wonder, and Joy,” seeks to transport viewers into the enchanting world of a child’s Christmas, where every sight, sound, and sensation is a celebration in itself.
“The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays,” the President and First Lady wrote in a welcome letter at the beginning of the commemorative 2023 White House Holiday Guide.
“In this season of reflection and goodwill, we hope you will embrace your inner child and delight in simply being present with those you love. It is a time for our senses to awaken—for each of us to smell the aroma of favorite family recipes, to hear the warmth of a dear friend’s voice, to see the glow of lights and decorations, to taste the sweetness of candies and treats, and to feel the quiet stillness and strength of faith,” the First Lady and President continued.
Favorite flavors and scents of the season are featured in the China Room in the White House. [Photo: The White House]
As the Grand Foyer came alive with the sparkle of thousands of lights, Jill Biden, adorned in a sky-blue pantsuit and a glittering brooch, took center stage. The atmosphere echoed with the festive notes of Jingle Bells as she entered, setting the stage for a celebration like no other.
Channelling the spirit of childlike wonder, Biden shared an insightful anecdote from a 2007 social experiment involving violinist Joshua Bell. The experiment, held at the L’Enfant Metro station during rush hour, revealed that only a small group of people stopped to listen. “Any idea who it was?” Biden asked the crowd, to which they joyously responded, “Children!” Emphasizing that children are “unbound by time” and “inherently know beauty,” she encouraged guests to embrace the decorations with the same awe and wonder they experienced in their youth.
Standing beside the majestic 18-foot Christmas tree adorned with lights, Biden drew attention to the Gold Star tree behind her, honoring fallen service members. With a nod to their sacrifice, she expressed emotional gratitude, saying, “May God bless our troops and their families.”
2023 Gingerbread White House [ Photo: The White House]
The First Lady took a poignant journey through each ornament and decoration, highlighting a vintage passenger train weaving around the towering Christmas tree with a quiet mechanical whir. Ornaments, crafted by the children of military-connected families, adorned the tree, and the official White House Menorah, constructed using reclaimed beams from the Truman era, stood as a symbol of unity and tradition.
Biden marveled at the papier-mâché reindeer above the Grand Foyer, declaring, “I don’t know how you feel, but I feel it’s just breathtaking.” In a season dedicated to friends, family, and gratitude, she expressed heartfelt thanks to the “hundreds of volunteers and designers” who contributed to the spectacular display.
Acknowledging volunteers who added gumdrops to the decorations, Biden reflected on the significance of coming together during challenging times. “As our hearts grow heavy in the face of a tumultuous world,” she said, “it’s in these times that we are searching for hope and healing. These points of light… That’s when we need each other the most.”
With warm wishes for a “Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season from the Biden family,” the First Lady provided a glimpse into the staggering effort behind the festive spectacle. Approximately 14,975 feet of ribbon, over 350 candles, over 33,892 ornaments, and over 22,100 bells were meticulously placed, creating a visually stunning tapestry throughout the White House.
The numbers continued to impress: 98 Christmas trees, 142,425 holiday lights, 72 classic wreaths on the north and south facades, and a Gingerbread White House creation that required 40 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 40 sheets of gingerbread dough, 90 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing.
In a world that often yearns for hope and connection, the White House holiday decorations are reminding us all to embrace the spirit of the season and find joy in the simple wonders that surround us.
