First lady Melania Trump gave her stamp of approval on the White House Christmas Tree at its arrival Monday.
She said it’s a beautiful tree.
Three coachmen and a pair of Clydesdales named Logan and Ben delivered the tree to the North Lawn driveway as a military band played O Christmas Tree. The first lady wore a white coat with red gloves and heels while she inspected it.
“It’s a beautiful tree.”
She spoke with the coachmen after taking a walk around the carriage and completing her quick inspection.
The tree is a Concolor fir that stands more than 20 feet tall. It comes from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney, Michigan. This farm became the first Michigan Christmas tree operation that the National Christmas Tree Association has named Grand Champion Growers since 1985.
White House Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney picked out the tree back in September.
“This tree in the Blue Room will probably see at least 100,000 people. It’s probably one of the most seen Christmas trees in the world.”
Rex Korson said he and his wife Jessica first entered the NCTA national tree contest in 2009. They have tried many times before finally winning this year.
“We’ve come close to winning before, but it just shows you how hard it is to win and how determined you have to be to compete.”
Michigan is home to over 500 Christmas tree farms where trees stand on some 33,000 acres of land. This makes the state the third biggest Christmas tree producer in the nation according to the Michigan Christmas Tree Association. The Wolverine State produces about 2 million trees annually. Farmers plant three trees for every one that they harvest.
Since 1965 the winners of the NCTA’s national tree contest have supplied the White House with its official Christmas Tree. President Franklin Pierce was the first commander in chief to have a White House Christmas tree back in 1856. Nearly 70 years later President Calvin Coolidge began the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 1923.
The arrival of the official Christmas tree marks the beginning of the holiday season at the White House. Staff will now begin decorating the mansion for the Christmas celebrations that will take place throughout December.
Melania Trump has shown her dedication to maintaining White House traditions with elegance and style. Her choice of a white coat with red gloves created a festive appearance that matched the holiday spirit of the occasion.
The use of Clydesdales and a traditional carriage to deliver the tree adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to the ceremony. These massive horses are known for their strength and beauty, making them perfect for such an important delivery.
The military band playing O Christmas Tree as the tree arrived created a patriotic atmosphere that honored both the holiday tradition and American values. Music has always been an important part of White House celebrations.
The Korson family’s dedication to growing the perfect tree for 16 years before winning shows the level of excellence required to earn this honor. Their perseverance paid off with the chance to provide a tree that millions of people will see.
Michigan’s Christmas tree industry represents an important part of the state’s agricultural economy. The thousands of acres dedicated to growing evergreens provide jobs and support rural communities across the state.
The fact that farmers plant three trees for every one harvested demonstrates the sustainability of the Christmas tree industry. This ensures that future generations will have trees to enjoy during the holidays.
The Blue Room location means visitors taking White House tours will be able to admire the towering evergreen throughout the Christmas season. This room has traditionally housed the official tree where it becomes a centerpiece of holiday decorations.