US First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed the 2015 White House Christmas tree in Washington on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving.

This year’s White House Christmas tree, which is a Pennsylvania fir, is nearly 19 feet tall and was brought to the White House portico on a horse-drawn carriage. It was presented by growers Jay, Glenn and Virginia Bustard, co-owners of Bustard’s Christmas trees. The presentation officially kicked off the holiday season at the White House.

The White House Christmas tree has a long tradition. The first tree was placed in the second floor Yellow Oval Room in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration. Back then, the Yellow Oval Room was used as a family parlour and library. The tree was decorated with candles and toys for the Harrison grandchildren.

In 1929, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover started the custom of decorating an official tree in the White House. Since then, the honour of trimming the Christmas tree has belonged to First Ladies. The tree stands in the Blue Room.

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the White House Christmas Tree. That year, the tree was decorated with characters from the Nutcracker Suite ballet. This year, the tree will honour the military.

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