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Christmas at the People’s House
While White House holiday traditions have changed with history, the spirit of peace and unity remains the same.
Nestled within the heart of the United States lies a place where history is woven into every brick, where tradition meets modernity, and the spirit of Christmas dances through the halls every year — the White House.
Over the centuries, the celebration of Christmas at the People’s House has evolved, mirroring the shifting cultural landscape and reflecting a spirit of unity and peace that endures through time.
The earliest records of Christmas at the White House date back to the 1800s, when then-President John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, hosted a quiet, intimate celebration. It was a far cry from the elaborate festivities we see today.
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the Christmas tree became a staple in the White House, thanks to the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s popularization of the tradition.