Trump Family Kicks Off Holiday Season with White House Traditions
As Thanksgiving approaches, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are embracing the cherished White House holiday traditions that have delighted Americans for generations. This week marks the beginning of the festive season at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, with two signature events that capture both the whimsy and elegance of presidential holiday celebrations. The First Family is preparing to participate in the beloved turkey pardon ceremony and welcome the official White House Christmas tree, events that have become staples of the American holiday calendar and offer a glimpse into the lighter side of presidential duties during this season of gratitude and joy.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Trumps will continue one of Washington’s most charming and quirky traditions – the annual presidential turkey pardon. Set against the backdrop of the historic Rose Garden, this lighthearted ceremony features the President officially “pardoning” two fortunate turkeys, saving them from becoming Thanksgiving dinner and instead allowing them to live out their days in peaceful retirement. This tradition has evolved into a moment of bipartisan delight, often featuring presidential jokes and providing a momentary respite from the usual gravity of White House affairs. In a modern twist on this tradition, the First Lady has invited public participation through social media, asking citizens to vote on X (formerly Twitter) from a shortlist of potential names for this year’s lucky birds. This interactive approach allows Americans across the country to feel personally connected to the White House holiday festivities.
The pardoned turkeys come from various states across America, representing the nation’s agricultural heritage and creating connections between the White House and farming communities. Last year’s pardoned pair, affectionately named “Peach” and “Blossom,” hailed from Minnesota, as did their predecessors “Liberty” and “Bell.” Over the years, North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, California, Virginia, and Missouri have all had the honor of sending their finest turkeys to this prestigious ceremony. These birds, carefully selected and prepared for their moment in the national spotlight, become unlikely celebrities for a day as they waddle their way into presidential history and the hearts of Americans watching from home. After their brief moment of fame, these presidential pardoned turkeys typically live out their days at university agricultural programs or historical farms open to the public.
The holiday celebrations will continue as the First Lady welcomes the official White House Christmas tree, marking the formal commencement of the Christmas season at the executive mansion. This year’s tree, a magnificent Fraser fir destined for display in the Blue Room, comes from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan, approximately an hour northeast of Grand Rapids. This selection connects the White House celebrations to Michigan’s agricultural tradition and highlights the diverse regions that contribute to America’s holiday customs. The Korsons will also provide a smaller tree for the Oval Office, ensuring that the President’s workspace reflects the festive spirit of the season. The arrival of the Christmas tree is traditionally a photo-worthy moment, as it arrives by horse-drawn carriage to the North Portico of the White House, where the First Lady greets it in a ceremony dating back decades.
The honor of providing the White House Christmas tree is not bestowed randomly but earned through excellence in a competitive process. Rex and Jessica Korson, the farm’s owners, won this prestigious opportunity by claiming victory in the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Tree Contest held in July. This competition, which determines which farm will supply the official White House Christmas tree each year, represents the pinnacle of achievement for American Christmas tree growers. The selected tree must meet exacting standards for appearance, fullness, and durability, as it will be on display throughout the holiday season and viewed by thousands of visitors during White House holiday tours. For the winning farm, providing the presidential Christmas tree brings not only national recognition but also represents American agricultural excellence during the most festive time of the year.
These White House holiday traditions – the turkey pardon and the arrival of the official Christmas tree – offer Americans a moment of unity and continuity during the holiday season. Beyond their ceremonial significance, these events connect the presidency to everyday American traditions, agricultural communities across the nation, and the shared cultural experiences that transcend political divisions. As families across the country prepare their own Thanksgiving meals and begin decorating for Christmas, these White House rituals remind us of the traditions that bind us together as a nation during the holiday season. They also provide a glimpse of the human side of the presidency, showing how our nation’s leaders participate in the same seasonal celebrations that bring joy to homes across America. As the Trumps participate in these beloved customs, they continue a legacy of White House holiday celebrations that has spanned generations and administrations, connecting past to present in the shared American experience of the holiday season.
