Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday, but for many, it’s just a prelude to Christmas. That’s why Christmas decorations start appearing as early as November. Once Thanksgiving and Black Friday pass, it’s officially the Christmas season until the New Year. Even before Thanksgiving arrives, preparations are underway at the White House.
First Lady Jill Biden was at the North Portico of the White House yesterday to accept the delivery of the official Christmas tree. This year’s tree is an 18.5-foot Fraser fir from Peak Farms in Jefferson, North Carolina. The tree was brought by Rusty and Beau Estes, the winners of the National Christmas Tree Association’s 2021 contest (for the third time).
The tree arrived at the White House in a carriage adorned with jingle bells, pulled by two Clydesdale horses named Ben and Winston, with a band playing classic Christmas songs. After inspection, Jill Biden praised the tree’s quality, calling it “beautiful and magnificent.”
First lady Jill Biden kicked off the holiday season in the nation’s capital on Monday by accepting delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. https://t.co/Ui6gYH89Fe
— ABC News (@ABC) November 23, 2021
The tree will be displayed in the Blue Room throughout the holiday season. To accommodate the tree’s height, the large chandelier in the room will be temporarily removed, a tradition followed every year.
During the tree delivery, Jill Biden was accompanied by a family from the DC Army National Guard, including Captain Maryanne Harrell, her husband Levi, and children Levi II, Marcus, and Elliana. The presence of this family was to recognize the National Guard’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and to honor all National Guard families who are away on duty during the holidays.
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