71 Photos of the White House Christmas Decorations Through the Years
It’s a veritable cornucopia of weirdness!
When the Christmas season hits D.C., that means that the reigning first lady gets a chance to shine and show off some personality. In recent years, the administration has chosen a theme...and really leaned into it. And hey, we're not all always going to agree on what looks good, okay?
So in honor of the holiday season and the unveiling of the latest White House Christmas décor, let's take a look back at these ultra-rare pics of White House Christmases past. (Special shout-out to Tipper Gore's hair.)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Family in 1939
These pictures are honestly so pure! The tinsel! The outfits! @ CURRENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATIONS, PLEASE ADD THIS TO YOUR VISION BOARD.
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Family in 1960
LOL @ the kid staring at her present instead of the camera. TBH, I feel you.
JFK and Jackie in 1961
Breaking news: Rudolph has been discovered passed out in the snow. Cause of fainting: This photo being too amazingly glamorous.
President Kennedy and Family in 1962
Now let's examine this delightful throwback of the whole Kennedy family being high-key relatable in their Christmas portrait. Tag yourself—I'm whichever dog you don’t want to be.
Lyndon B Johnson's White House in 1964
Shout-out to LBJ who decided to hang a holiday piñata in his White House. Real ones know that the United States is a nation built by immigrants and that all of our cultural traditions should be celebrated!
President Nixon's White House in 1969
Merry Christmas to these very good boys, especially that poor dachshund who someone confused for a present. (If anyone asks what I want this year, though, please do me a solid and point 'em in the direction of a doggo.)
Betty Ford in 1974
Wow, find a person who's more pumped to be looking at a Christmas tree, I'll wait.
Betty Ford in 1975
Honestly, the Christmas tree in the background here is just an excuse for me to make you look at this picture of Betty Ford's gorgeous hair.
Betty Ford in 1975
Definitely including this photo because of the blurry tree and not because of the giant box of chocolates that Betty Ford is holding, it's fine.
Rosalynn Carter in 1978
Please bask in the vintage glow of this '70s-era picture of Rosalynn Carter admiring her nativity scene whilst wearing a jaunty holiday waistcoat. Très chic!
Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1981
Is Ronald...is Ronald wearing a mock turtleneck under a blazer? I’m. Not. Okay.
Nancy Reagan in 1983
In case you were wondering why you haven't seen Mr. T out and about in a minute, it's because this is a super busy time of year for him, what with being Santa Claus and all.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1983
Truly loving the supremely cozy Christmas vibes in this photo of Ronald and Nancy Reagan festooning their tree.
George H. W. Bush in 1990
Thinkin' around the Christmas tree...
Barbara Bush in 1991
Speaking of Santa, weird that Barbara Bush was secretly Mrs. Claus and no one noticed!
George H. W. Bush in 1991
This photo makes me so nostalgic for the '90s, I am literally hallucinating butterfly clips and Beanie Babies right now.
George H. W. Bush‘s White House in 1992
In case you're wondering how much chill President Bush’s Christmas tree had, the answer is none whatsoever, thanks for checking in.
Bill Clinton in 1995
Okay, this is vvvv cute.
Hillary Clinton in 1997
Gotta shout-out Hillary for matching her suit to her tree in 1997. Respect the commitment.
President Clinton’s White House in 1998
Remember that very specific phase in the '90s when literally every suburban mom at Christmas owned a decorative pomegranate dusted in fake sugar? This tree gets it.
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