Tis’ the season with the theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” at the White House, where First Lady, Jill Biden, welcomed the very first visitors of her child-like wonder-inspired holiday décor.

Article by Victoria Newsome, Junior Election Correspondent

WASHINGTON - On Monday, the doors to the White House’s Executive Residence unlocked, and invited guests were warmly welcomed to the transformed winter wonderland of the White House. Immersing those invited guests in the holiday decorations felt like stepping into an enchanting realm, where the sheer delight and awe mirrored the magical experiences of childhood.

"I know that [magic, wonder and joy] can feel hard to find sometimes as the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder, as our hearts grow heavy in the face of a tumultuous world, as we miss those who are no longer with us – an empty seat at the table of our holiday gatherings. But it's in these times when we are searching for hope and healing...that's when we need each other the most," President Biden said.

Guests felt transported into a real-life fairy tale in each room, strolling through the whimsical memories and timeless classics, enveloped in the enchantment of the season. Waltzing down each hall visitors were kindly greeted with orchestral holiday music, candy-themed ornaments, colorful Christmas lights, structures smothered with toys and snow, of course, the annual Gingerbread White House displayed in the State Dining Room.

The 2023 Gingerbread White House includes 40 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 40 sheets of gingerbread dough, 90 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing. Talk about a sugar rush! The distinctive presence of holiday candy and sweet treats of the season floating overhead in both the East Wing Lobby and East Colonnade is to remind children and families of the delicious flavors of the holidays.

Another notable décor highlight is the Gold Star Christmas Tree, which is the first Christmas tree inside the White House that features fallen military service members. This has been a signature touch that Dr. Biden has added each year to honor the fallen. With their names engraved in the wooden Gold Star ornaments, this holds as a constant reminder to honor those who have laid their lives down for the United States, as well as their families who will carry on their legacies.

The crisp smell of Christmas evergreens in the air and the pleasant structure of Santa conducting his sleigh of flying reindeer through the columns of the Entrance Hall of the White House created a decorum filled with the holiday spirit. In addition, the Ground Floor Corridor is sprinkled thoroughly with holiday messages sent from Americans across the country to the President and First Lady.

“It is a time for our senses to awaken—for each of us to smell the aroma of favorite family recipes, to hear the warmth of a dear friend’s voice, to see the glow of lights and decorations, to taste the sweetness of candies and treats, and to feel the quiet stillness and strength of faith,” said in a statement from the White House.

With a spectacular total of 98 Christmas trees throughout the White House complex, the dedicated volunteers were working hard to deliver an unforgettable experience for all to enjoy. It took over 300 dedicated volunteers from across the country, and the Executive Residence staff, working a full week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House.

Unlike previous years, the White House State Dining Room did not have stockings with the names of the Biden family and grandchildren, but they made sure to deck the mantel down with decorated with ribbons, and ornaments. According to the Briefing Room, approximately 14,975 feet of ribbon, over 350 candles, over 34,000 ornaments, 72 wreaths, 142 holiday lights, and over 22,100 bells were used this year to decorate the entire White House. Their hard work will not go unnoticed as each glistening detail, made a huge impact on the guest experience.