Where Did the White House Christmas Tree Come From?
Every year the White House Christmas tree lights up the Blue Room and the season, with its grandeur and shining display of special ornaments that reflect the year's decorating theme. Get to know the history and traditions of the tree, and travel down memory lane viewing the news video of the 2008 tree and photographs of White House Christmas trees past.
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Geography
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In 2008, the White House Christmas tree came from River Ridge Tree Farms in North Carolina. It was a Fraser fir, native exclusively to the southern Appalachians.
Significance
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The owners of River Ridge, Jessie Davis and Russell Estes, were the 2008 grand champions of the National Christmas Tree Association's annual Christmas tree contest. Since 1966, winners of the contest have supplied the official White House Christmas tree.
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Time Frame
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River Ridge presented the handpicked Fraser fir to the first lady, Laura Bush, during a special ceremony November 30, 2008, at the North Portico. The tree arrived at the White House by horse-drawn wagon.
Features
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In keeping with tradition, the tree was installed in the Blue Room. The White House Floral Department and volunteers did the decorating. "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" was the 2008 decorating theme.
History
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Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy introduced the concept of a decorating theme for the White House Christmas tree in 1961. "The Nutcracker" was the inspiration for the tree ornaments that year.
Size
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White House Christmas trees must be at least 18 1/2 feet tall to fulfill the floor-to-ceiling requirements of the Blue Room. The 2008 Fraser fir was about 20 feet tall.
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