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First Lady Michelle Obama and her girls greet this year's White House Christmas Tree. Photo: Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press/MCT
First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha welcomed their first White House Christmas Tree to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue last Friday. The Douglas fir, 18 ½ feet tall and 12 feet wide, was handpicked by the White House Chief Usher at a Shepherdstown, West Virginia farm.
The tree arrived at the White House in a carriage pulled by two Belgian draft horses with red Christmas bows tied to their tails. It will be decorated by volunteers in the White House's oval-shaped Blue Room, a public space, so tourists visiting the White House can admire the tree, a tradition that started with Jacqueline Kennedy.
Those of us who can't get to Washington this holiday season can still take part in the festivities. Daytime talk show queen Oprah Winfrey is visiting the White House to film a behind-the-scenes look at the First Family preparing for the holiday for a special: "Christmas at the White House: A Primetime Special," airing on ABC, Sunday, December 13 at 10pm. In addition to the promise of insider holiday footage, she will also interview the President and First Lady, and take a tour of the White House.
First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah in October. Photo: Getty Images
But the real stars of this year's White House Christmas may be Eric and Gloria Sundback, the 80-something Christmas tree growers who delivered the tree to the Obamas last week. "It's big enough for Sasha to climb in," Eric Sundback joked when the tree pulled up.
The Sundbacks have been growing trees since the 1950s, and they planted this year's White House Christmas Tree in 1996. Their trees have been chosen for the White House more often than those of any other grower; they sent two of their trees to the White House during the Carter administration and one to the Reagan family.
They don't get too sentimental about chopping down a tree they've been pruning for over a decade. "I always look at it as, if I was a tree, would I rather be a Christmas tree, or would I rather be on a roll in your bathroom?" Gloria, 83, told the AARP Bulletin.
Good point.
The tree pulled up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on a horse drawn carriage. Photo: Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press/MCT
Read about decor and modern design at the first White House State Dinner here, and don't forget to tour a replica of Michelle Obama's edible gardens.
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nice
ReplyBlessings to the President and his Family,
ReplyI was born during the "GREAT DEPRESSION" and seeing something this spectacular, is overwhelming to me. We were lucky to have a
stocking hung and a tree decorated with cranberries and popcorn.
I feel however, this show of show's is not just for the President and his Family, but to share with all of us the beauty that represents the UNITED STATES of AMERICA! We need to accept this opportunity with dignity and not jealousy, but be thankful for what we have and
still be a part of the festivities from the White House. It exemplifies
the fact, we are all included in whatever takes place in this Great Nation. Whether it be joy or sorrow, we all live for a better tomorrow!
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
MJL
BLESSINGS, to the President and His Family,
ReplyThank you for sharing your Christmas decorations with all of us.
We shall all share in the true meaning of Christmas, but very doubtful
if our decor will in anyway compare to yours. Being born during the "GREAT DEPRESSION" I was lucky to have a stocking to hang up,
and we did have fun stringing popcorn and cranberries to decorate the tree with, it was a time like now, when we all shared what resources we had to make the birth of our Savior a special time.
We do appreciate the fact that you are willing to share with us the
beauty of the United States. It exemplifies the fact that we, here in America, are still willing to share and be together, as," ONE NATION UNDER GOD" in times of joy and sorrow, always dreaming of a better tomorrow. It will come, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man" Have a wonderful CHRISTMAS, and please keep CHRIST
in your heart as you celebrate HIS birth!
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
MJL
I am very sorry that they put both of my comments on here as they are very much alike. This happened as I thought the first one went up in cyber space! I had no confirmation on it at all ,so I wrote the second one and when I checked , lo and behold they had printed them both.
ReplyJust wanted you nice people to know I am 81YO but far from senile yet. It may come tomorrow who knows, but it is always nice to know that some People are still interested in what my Generation has to say, as the next one coming up will not be able to go back that far.
Blessings, MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!
MJL
I am not impressed. In consideration of the fact that we are in the process of sending 30,000 military to a dangerous war zone duing the christmas season, discretion would be more appropriate.
ReplyThis is a time for reflection.
Many families willl have Christmas without Mom or Dad.
Delivering a Christmas Tree by horse-drawn wagon is a show for the public.
Oprah has her moment; let's see if there are representatives of the families in attendance.
Yada yada yada Rich. Don't hate, appreciate!!! Mary Jayne you are lovely. Merry Chrismas
ReplyBig Shawn
typo: Christmas