First Lady Jill Biden unveiled this year's "We the People" themed White House holiday decorations on Monday.
"The soul of our nation is, and always has been, 'We the People,'" Biden said, according to a White House press release. "And that is what inspired this year's White House holiday decoration."
As reported by NBC-Bay Area, the decorations include over 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays. The exterior of the executive mansion also includes 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths.
"The values that unite us can be found all around you, a belief in possibility, optimism and unity," Biden said. "Room by room, we represent what brings us together during the holidays and throughout the year."
In the White House library, a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a gingerbread White House and a sugar cookie replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall are on display. The Constitution and Declaration of Independence were both signed at Independence Hall.
"Mirrored ornaments and reflective surfaces ensure that visitors can see themselves in the décor, noting that the strength of our country – the Soul of our Nation – comes from 'We the People,'" the White House said.
A menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used by the Jewish people, is a new addition to the White House this year and can be found on the State Floor. It was built by White House carpenters from wood taken from a Truman-era renovation.
Additional decorations include illustrations of the family pets – Commander the dog and Willow the cat – in the Vermeil Room.
According to NBC, more than 150 volunteers placed the decorations inside and outside the White House last week. About 50,000 visitors are expected to travel to the White House this Christmas season.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Alex Wong/Staff
Video courtesy: ©The Associated Press
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
