JOYFUL TRADITION: WHITE HOUSE GETS ITS CHRISTMAS TREE
In a heartwarming annual event, First Lady Jill Biden welcomed the Christmas tree for the White House. Delivered by horse and carriage to the North Entrance of the United States government headquarters in Washington on Monday, the towering 5.6-meter-tall tree hails from North Carolina.
Bbundled in a pine green coat, Mrs. Biden, accompanied by military families and children, inspected the tree and stroked a horse, exclaiming, "Magnificent!" She wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, emphasizing the significance of the holiday, which falls on this very Thursday in the United States.
Established in 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association hosts an annual competition for the title of the best Christmas tree. The victor of this contest gets the honor of delivering the official tree to the White House. Traditionally, the tree takes residence in the Blue Room, heralding the start of the holiday season.
Upon receiving the tree, Mrs. Biden expressed gratitude for the fixed tradition and admired its quality, wishing everyone a joyous Thanksgiving, symbolizing the approach of the festive season. The North Entrance of the White House's tree arrival follows a tradition that dates back to 1966.
Enrichment Data: The National Christmas Tree Association does not directly oversee the selecting and delivering of the White House Christmas tree since 1966. The tradition of selecting and delivering the tree to the White House is usually carried out by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, with the tree often sourced from a national forest or a Christmas tree farm. The National Christmas Tree Association is an organization advocating for Christmas tree growers and retailers, but it does not play a direct role in picking or delivering the White House Christmas tree.
For comprehensive details regarding the selection and delivery process, it's best to consult official White House sources or historical records. The White House often announces the tree's choice and origin, highlighting the state or region from which it comes. For instance, in recent years, the tree originated from various states, such as Michigan, a significant producer of Christmas trees.
