First Lady Barbara Bush Discusses White House Christmas Decorations and Traditions

White House Christmas Decorations

• 🎄 Barbara Bush discusses the symbolism behind various decorations, with apples representing peace, grapes for abundance, and pears for good government.
• 💡 The theme for the White House Christmas decorations was planned starting in February, with 40 people from across the country contributing to the design and creation.
• 🎨 All decorations were planned and made in-house by the White House flower shop, with four people working on the dolls and other figures since March.
• 🖼️ Each state is represented by two large decorations, with Texas being highlighted as an example.

Festive Activities and Traditions

• ❄️ A memorable event during the decorating process was an impromptu snowball fight involving the volunteers, ushers, and flower shop staff.
• 📚 The White House Christmas celebration also emphasizes literacy and reading, featuring decorations inspired by favorite children's storybooks and characters.
• 🍪 The White House tree is adorned with hundreds of Christmas cookies, including some made by Paola Randon, a long-time resident, and others from the gingerbread house created by artist Hans.

Family and Personal Reflections

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Bush family, including 11 grandchildren, is expected to gather for the holidays, with all of them sleeping in the White House.
• 🎁 For gifts, Barbara Bush has asked Santa to bring one present for each child, reflecting a simpler approach to gift-giving.
• ❤️ Barbara Bush expresses her Christmas wish for food, homes, peace, and family joy around the world, mirroring the love her own family shares.
• 🏊‍♀️ She also shares personal anecdotes about her active lifestyle, including swimming a mile and running, even in cold weather.