One of the most highly anticipated events at The White House every year is the unveiling of its Christmas decorations. The first lady is tasked with putting it all together with the help of her staff and a large crew of volunteers. On Monday, first lady Melania Trump unveiled the results of her second year of Christmas duty to the press. Melania's style is always a topic of conversation, and the dramatic way she chose to bring the holiday spirit into the White House this year is no different.
More from MamásLatinas: Donald & Melania Trump's relationship in 18 pics
President Donald Trump gave himself credit for saving the phrase "Merry Christmas" last year. "People are proud to be saying Merry Christmas again," he tweeted. "I am proud to have led the charge against the assault of our cherished and beautiful phrase. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!" It is arguable that enthusiasm over Christmas was going anywhere before Donald took office, but it is clear that the holiday is an important talking point to him. The pressure is definitely on for Melania to deliver a showstopping winter wonderland to back up her husband's messaging, and she delivered with choices that will please his supporters.
This year's official theme is "American Treasures," which was highlighted in creative ways in several areas of the White House. From patriotic ornaments to mantel pieces celebrating iconic US skylines, Melania and her team put American pride at the forefront of their design. It gave a very different vibe than her 2017 "Time-Honored Traditions" theme, which had a color palette that felt very cold. But this year's efforts didn't go off without a hitch; the first lady was still trolled over some of the decorations, which critics found laughable.
A video of Melania touring the finished spaces gave the public an inside look at her Christmas decorations.
Each room had a different look and feel.
It takes a large team of people to get the White House ready for the holidays.
According to The Washington Post, 225 volunteers helped bring the first lady's vision to life.
More than 20,000 feet of lights and 12,000 bows were used to transform the designated Christmas spaces.
No expense was spared.
The focal point is the official White House Christmas tree, which can be found in the Blue Room.
It came from North Carolina and is 19-and-a-half feet tall!
The tree was decorated with blue ribbon that had every US state and territory written on it.
Despite the administration's disappointing efforts to help Puerto Rico get back on its feet after Hurricane Maria, they gave the island a spot on the tree.
Several famous U.S. skylines got the spotlight.
A cutout of New York City, home of the Trumps, was included, of course.
A giant white gingerbread display depicting the National Mall will be a crowd favorite.
It weighs a whopping 225 pounds!
The State Dining Room had great flair.
Two enormous trees flank a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
The China Room is also given a holiday touch.
The garland on the mantle was a simple way to incorporate Christmas into the White House's symbol of hospitality.
The Red Room is dedicated to the country's children.
It featured cute ornaments like a soccer ball and a drum.
Red was Melania’s statement color of choice this year.
According to the White House website, 14,000 red ornaments were used to decorate 29 trees in the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall and 40 red topiary trees line the East colonnade.
The color was a reference to the presidential seal.
“The choice of red is an extension of the pales, or stripes found in the presidential seal designed by our Founding Fathers,” Melania’s office said, according to The Washington Post. “It is a symbol of valor and bravery.”
However, red topiary trees left a very different impression than what the White House intended.
Twitter gave it the meme treatment. It was clear that the trees reminded people of blood, and proved to be more nightmare fuel than anything else.
Ornaments were also used to pay homage to American history.
It's all in the details.
Melania highlighted her “Be Best” children’s initiative throughout the decorations.
Several tree ornaments and a large wreath were decorated with “Be Best” logo.
Critics found the choice to feature “Be Best” in such a prominent way to be extremely hypocritical.
Part of the “Be Best” initiative is to end bullying on social media, which President Donald Trump does regularly on Twitter and when speaking to the press.
This year’s colorful decorations feel a lot warmer than the icy theme we saw in 2017.
The trees in the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall looked like they came straight from a snowy pine grove. Icicle ornaments gave the trees an extra frigid touch.
The 2017 decorations were just as grand as this year’s design.
Melania even had performers from the Vivid Ballet Company help her unveil her work last year.
But certain elements were still met with harsh criticism, of course.
A photo of the hallway decorated with white tree branches and eerie lighting set an ominous tone that inspired many hilarious memes.
The White House hosts holiday tours, which gives the public an opportunity to see the Christmas decorations.
More than 25,000 people get to visit every year.
