The White House always transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, but who has the esteemed privilege of orchestrating this festive transformation? In the year 2020, a unique and anticipated team was responsible for the holiday decorations. Let’s unwrap the story behind the decorators of the White House for Christmas 2020, explore their process, and delve into the themes and traditions they upheld.
The Team Behind the Decorations
Each year, the White House enlists the help of professionals to deck the halls, but 2020 was different due to the ongoing global health situation. Here’s who was involved:
- The First Lady Melania Trump: Traditionally, it’s the First Lady who spearheads the decoration initiative, and 2020 was no exception. Melania Trump's vision was to bring joy during the tough times.
- The White House Staff: A dedicated team from various departments at the White House participated in planning and executing the decor.
- Volunteers: The call for volunteers was more limited this year due to safety protocols, but a select group was still involved.
- Professional Decorators: While many companies usually compete for this honor, only a few were chosen to work on specific installations, keeping in mind the health guidelines.
The Themes and Inspiration
In light of the year’s challenges, the themes for Christmas 2020 were:
- Tradition and Tribute: Paying homage to the history and traditions of the White House Christmas.
- America the Beautiful: Celebrating the natural beauty of the United States through decorations.
- Comfort and Joy: Creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia, especially to offer comfort in difficult times.
🕯️ Note: The themes reflect an intent to uplift spirits and bring people together in spirit if not in person.
Decorating Process
The actual decorating of the White House is a massive undertaking that involves several steps:
1. Planning and Design
- Sketching: Conceptual sketches are created to visualize the final look.
- Theme Integration: Ensuring each room’s decorations adhere to the overall theme while maintaining individuality.
2. Sourcing Materials
| Material | Source |
|---|---|
| Christmas Trees | Local nurseries and growers |
| Ornaments | Artisans, historical collections |
| Garlands | Handmade by volunteers and staff |
| Lights | Commercial suppliers |
3. Decor Execution
- Installation: Setting up large installations like trees, garlands, and large ornaments.
- Detail Work: Placing smaller ornaments, lights, and finishing touches to bring the vision to life.
🎅 Note: The effort to incorporate sustainability and American-made items into the decorations was significant this year.
Notable Decorations of 2020
Here are some highlights from the festive setup:
- The Blue Room Christmas Tree: A grand tree decorated with American-made ornaments representing each state and territory.
- The Grand Foyer: Transformed into a snowy winter landscape with lights and candles.
- East Wing: Featured festive music and decorations emphasizing comfort and joy.
- The State Dining Room: A large gingerbread model of the White House, with a nod to the year’s challenges by featuring heroes like doctors and nurses.
The final touches to the White House were not just about aesthetics but also about sending a message of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of America during unprecedented times.
Overall, the decorations of the White House in 2020 were a testament to resilience and tradition. Despite the unique circumstances, the decorators managed to honor longstanding customs while also introducing new elements that resonated with the moment. The collective effort, ingenuity, and dedication to bring about the holiday spirit, when it was needed most, was indeed remarkable.
Who decides the theme for the White House Christmas?
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The First Lady typically decides on the theme, often reflecting current events, the mood of the country, or historical significance.
How are volunteers chosen for White House decorations?
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Volunteers are usually selected through a combination of background checks, recommendations, and sometimes, public applications, although 2020 saw a more restrictive selection process due to health concerns.
What happens to the decorations after Christmas?
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Many of the decorations are archived or reused, and some items are donated or auctioned off for charity.
