A White House Christmas Gallery: The G W Bush Years

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush pose for a holiday portrait in front the White House Christmas Tree December 3, 2006.

The George W. Bush Holidays

In 2001, “Home for the Holidays” was chosen as the Christmas theme with the twins in mind, Mrs. Bush was thinking ahead when the girls would be home from school. Trees were decorated with snowflakes, icicles and gold pinecones. In 2002, “All Creatures Great and Small” was the theme and red and gold dominated the color scheme. “Season of Stories” was the theme for 2003, a holiday wish to all Americans for “happy reading adventures and joyful holidays to all”. This theme furthered Mrs. Bush’s personal cause of literacy and also paid homage to her mother-in-law, plus it was fun to incorporate Barbara Bush’s archived ornaments. In 2004, “Season of Merriment and Melody” was the theme and icicle trees and musical vignettes prevailed. “All things Bright and Beautiful” was the theme in 2005, highlighting the beauty and goodness of nature in a year when its powerful forces caused heartbreaking destruction. Mrs. Bush wanted to remind Americans that nature was also a blessing. “Deck the Halls and Welcome All” was the theme in 2006, the Blue Room tree was decorated simply with elegant beads and iridescent glass ornaments. “Holidays in the National Parks” was the theme in 2007, highlighting the national park historic sites and monuments. In 2008, the “Red, White and Blue Christmas” theme washed the house in patriotic hues along with flags and oversized nutcrackers. (Photos courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)

President George W. Bush helps during the lighting of the menorah Hanukkah ceremony. 2001

10-foot tall Nutcrackers from E.T.A. Hoffman's classic Christmas ballet guard the North Entrance of the White House, December 2003.

Mrs. Laura Bush sits with Barney and Miss Beazley before the White House Christmas tree, November 30, 2007.

Barney finds a red Christmas decoration on the State Floor of the White House, November 28, 2007.

Christmas trees light up the Grand Foyer as a military pianist fills the State Floor, December 3, 2004.

Hot pink tulips and green pears stand in line on the center table of the East Room, December 2005.

Boxwood garland and tulips frame the Cross Hall mirrors for the 2005 Holiday season.

Mrs. Laura Bush walks from the White House Cross Hall into the East Room, December 3, 2008.

For the 2001 "Home for the Holidays" Christmas theme, a replica of President Lyndon B. Johnson's ranch was displayed, December 2001.

Mrs. Laura Bush delivers remarks as she stands with the White House Christmas tree November 30, 2008.

Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, December 2006.

President George W. Bush exchanges knuckles with Santa December 4, 2008.