Another year, another opportunity for Melania to demonstrate her disdain for Christmas

When it comes to Christmas decorations, everyone has their own pet peeves. Perhaps youve caught yourself wondering why you didnt take a little extra time to untangle those lights or felt a pang of jealousy walking past your neighbors perfectly manicured wreaths. But spare a thought for Melania Trump on her return to the White House this holiday season. She revealed the 2025 Christmas decorations, including a tree adorned with 10,000 blue butterflies, a presidential portrait made from 6,000 Lego pieces, and a painting referencing her husbands assassination attemptall displayed with her signature, unreadable composure. However, beneath her immaculate demeanor, one might imagine a certain tension simmering, as Christmas has often been a difficult time for Mrs. Trump.

During Donald Trump's first term, Melania's holiday dcor choices sparked widespread ridicule across the internet, turning her festive decorations into a viral phenomenon. Its no surprise that such experiences soured her festive spirit: she was already a reluctant First Lady, and the constant online mockery seemed to shift her from indifference to outright disdain. This was solidified in a now-infamous 2018 recording, later leaked to CNN, in which she lamented: Im working my a-- off on the Christmas stuff who gives a f--- about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?

One of the more absurd traditions shes had to uphold involves the annual ceremony of receiving the official White House Christmas tree. Last week, social media erupted when Mrs. Trump was seen walking around the tree in a stiff, forced smile, wearing red-plaid Manolo Blahniks and a cream Dior coat-dress. She seemed to muster just enough energy to feign interest in what has become a somewhat peculiar tradition. After all, what expression can you maintain when asked to greet an 18-foot concolor fir delivered by horse-drawn carriage for the worlds cameras?

The White Houses Christmas decorations, complete with the fanfare of tree receptions, photo shoots, televised walkthroughs, and theme unveilings, have been a tradition since 1929. Originally a collection of homemade tinsel and baubles, the modern iteration was transformed by Jacqueline Kennedy, who introduced the concept of thematic decorations. The first theme, inspired by The Nutcracker, set the stage for future years, with each First Lady leaving her own imprint on the festive decor. Notably, Lady Bird Johnson preferred strings of popcorn and multicolored flowers, while Barbara Bushs 1989 display, featuring giant toy dolls, was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

This years theme, Home is where the heart is, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The 51 Christmas trees and 75 wreaths, each wrapped in red ribbons and adorned with over 25,000 feet of ribbon and 2,000 strands of lights, adhere to a traditional, tasteful aestheticlikely to disappoint anyone hoping for another round of viral memes. The designs favor a more restrained and classic approach, which contrasts sharply with some of Melanias past festive choices.

In 2017, she introduced a time-honored traditions theme that was eerily reminiscent of a winter wasteland, with frost-covered trees and white-painted branches arcing overhead. Many compared it to the icy, cold presence of Narnias White Witch, and the display quickly became the subject of ridicule. The following year, she embraced a darker tone with 40 blood-red trees under the theme American treasures, which sparked comparisons to both "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Shining" in a wave of internet memes. Despite the backlash, she defended the crimson decor, stating, I think they look fantastic, with a laugh.

In the years following, Melania's decorations took a more subdued tone, though her 2020 leaked recording had already cemented her place as the queen of Christmas controversy. To be fair, traditional holiday decor might seem uninspiring to someone used to the extravagance of Trump Tower or Mar-a-Lago. But, as First Lady, shes still required to participate in the elaborate decorating rituals, despite her apparent distaste for them.

Etiquette expert Myka Meier notes that White House holiday decor has become a cherished American tradition, signifying the beginning of the festive season and offering a rare moment of nationwide unity. Each year, the First Lady blends tradition with her personal style, ensuring that the decorations are unique and memorable.

Throughout the decades, First Ladies have put their own spin on holiday decorations. Hillary Clinton embraced bold, exuberant choices, while Laura Bush favored Disney-style whimsy. Michelle Obama introduced LED lights and more neutral designs, and Jill Bidens emphasis on crafting reflected a more family-centric approach. However, many believe that Nancy Reagan's 1983 holiday display, which included Mr. T dressed as Santa Claus, remains the most iconic of all.

Speaking to Fox News this year, Melania explained the inspiration behind this years theme, stating that Home is where the heart is resonates with her, especially as she navigates the complexities of motherhood and business. It's worth noting that she also has a line of official Christmas decorations, including a $90 brass-and-enamel star, a charming contrast to her past frustration with the holiday season.

Author: Lucas Grant