President Biden and Jill Biden are unveiling this year's holiday theme and decorations at the White House, sharing a message of “peace and light” with the nation as they enter their final season in the executive mansion.
Jill Biden announced Monday this year's White House holiday theme is “A Season of Peace and Light.” The idea behind the theme is to encourage the more than 100,000 visitors who pass through the doors at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue during Christmas to “embrace the peace and light of the holiday season,” according to the White House.
More than 300 volunteers spent a week decorating the halls and the White House. This year's look includes 83 Christmas trees, more than 9,800 feet of ribbon, more than 28,000 ornaments, and more than 165,000 holiday lights.
Highlights of the White House's holiday makeover include a collection of bells hanging in the East Colonnade symbolizing “the gentle sounds of the holiday season,” a carb-heavy display depicting a bakery bench in the China Room, and “peaceful and patient baking bread for guests. , artisan breads that remind us of a loving process,” a tree dedicated to Gold Star families with the names of fallen service members written on its ornaments, and a building's reflective canopy that “envelops ceilings and windows in a gentle snowfall. , enveloping guests in the East Room and a waterfall of peace doves flying over the Cross Hall.
This year's gingerbread White House features a glowing starburst and a “jolly scene of ice skaters on the South Lawn.” This giant edible confection was made using 25 pieces of gingerbread dough, 10 pieces of sugar cookie dough, 45 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing.
“As we enter our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by our sacred values of faith, family, service to our country, kindness to our neighbors, and the power of community and connection,” the Bidens said. ” he said. said in a statement included in a welcome letter to visitors as part of the White House Holiday Guidebook.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as President and First Lady,” the couple said.
“Our hope is that the nation finds peace and light during the holiday season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”
