Behind-the-Scenes Look: Time-Lapse of Holidays at the White House

In 2011, more than 400 volunteers came together to help decorate the White House and assist with celebrations, and more than 85,000 guests are expected to visit the White House during the holiday season. Get a behind the scenes look at all the action courtesy of the White House Photo Office!

The section of the website dealing with the holidays: http://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays

Shine, Give, Share

Our theme for this 2011 holiday season is “Shine, Give, Share,” which offers an opportunity to pay tribute to our troops, veterans, and their families throughout the White House. This year, the official tour features 37 Christmas trees, 30 are natural trees and 7 are made from paper, felt or aluminum; a gingerbread model of the White House made of 400 pounds of gingerbread, white chocolate and marzipan plus 5 different representations of First Dog Bo Obama. Volunteers from 36 states plus the District of Columbia worked for days to get everything ready.

Blue Room

The centerpiece of the Blue Room is the official White House Christmas tree — a breathtaking 18-foot-6-inch balsam fir from Neshkoro, Wisconsin — which honors our men and women in uniform and features holiday cards created by military children. Collected from United States military installations around the world, these thoughtful and poignant cards celebrate their parents serving in uniform. Medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches are displayed on ornaments, historic military images are displayed with volunteer-made pinecone frames and ribbons inspired by the Armed Forces colors represent the brave women and men who protect our Nation and defend our freedom.