Here’s a look at the ways first ladies have celebrated Christmas at the White House and in Washington over the years.
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First lady Michelle Obama reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with 5-year-old Stephen Orzechowski at Children’s National Health System in Washington, Dec. 14, 2015.
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First lady Laura Bush showing journalists the Blue Room Christmas tree during a press tour to preview the theme, “Holiday in the National Parks,” Nov. 29, 2007.
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President Bill Clinton, first lady Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea sing carols with Trisha Yearwood, Dec. 7, 1994, on the Ellipse. Afterward, Chelsea pressed the button to turn on the lights on the National Christmas Tree.
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First lady Barbara Bush holds the family dog Millie after receiving the tree to be displayed in the Blue Room, Dec. 6, 1989.
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First lady Nancy Reagan sits with the children of Washington’s diplomatic corps during a Christmas party hosted by the White House, Dec. 14, 1988.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
First lady Rosalynn Carter shows off the decorations on the “antique toy”-themed Christmas tree at the White House, Dec. 12, 1978.
Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum
First lady Betty Ford and daughter Susan pose for Parade magazine making ornaments for that year’s “handmade and folksy” theme, Nov. 10, 1975.
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
President Richard Nixon, first lady Pat Nixon and daughter Tricia pose in front of the 19-foot Christmas tree in the entrance hall of the White House.
LBJ Presidential Library
President Lyndon Johnson and first lady Lady Bird Johnson pose in front of the Christmas tree in the White House Blue Room, Dec. 13, 1966.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy with the White House Christmas tree on Dec. 13, 1961, the first year a theme was chosen for the White House decorations. It was “Nutcracker Suite.”
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
First lady Bess Truman, President Harry Truman and daughter Margaret pose outside the White House before the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 24, 1952.
