National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree, which was permanently planted on the Ellipse, south of the White House,  in 1978, is lighted each winter by the President.  The first National Christmas Tree was placed on the Ellipse in December 1923. The tree was a 48-foot Balsam fir from Vermont. At 5pm on Christmas Eve, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light the tree from his native state. The tree was decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs, and music for this first lighting ceremony was provided by a local choir and a “quartet” from the U.S. Marine Band. This first National Christmas Tree led to the tradition we celebrate today (http://www.thenationaltree.org/).


On Christmas night, we ventured down to DC to check out the National Christmas Tree. The base of the tree is encompassed by multiple trains traveling on various tracks and bridges and by buildings. The trains have several flat bed cars that people can try to throw coins into.  Magnus tried several times... but missed every time.  Lining the pathway around the tree are smaller evergreen trees each decorated with ornaments from all the states, territories and DC.

White House in the background

Maliah is not so into the tree.

..or perhaps she just wanted to admire it by herself.

Deborah by the Missouri tree

After taking in the tree and trains we let the kids run around the rest of the Ellipse, aka President's Park South. It is a 52-acre park located just south of the White House fence. It is open to the public, and features various monuments. The Ellipse is also the location for a number of annual events, such as the National Tree Lighting.

Maliah showing off her new found walking ability!