The twinkling lights of the White House Christmas tree have become a cherished symbol of the holiday season. But the journey of this tradition, from its humble beginnings to its current grandeur, is filled with intriguing twists and turns, including a presidential 'ban' and a secret miniature tree.

While President Benjamin Harrison is credited with displaying the first Christmas tree in the White House in 1889, the tradition wasn't firmly established until decades later. A common misconception is that President Theodore Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree due to environmental concerns. While Roosevelt was a staunch conservationist, historical evidence suggests this 'ban' is more myth than reality. The Roosevelt family simply didn't observe the custom, though young Archie Roosevelt famously defied his father by secretly decorating a small tree in a White House closet in 1902. Following this charming act of holiday rebellion, the tradition was allowed to continue in the Roosevelt household.

The practice of having a Christmas tree in the White House became more consistent in the years that followed. It was the Taft children who, in 1912, surprised their parents with a decorated tree in the Blue Room. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower solidified the Blue Room as the tree's official location during her husband's presidency, a tradition continued by Jacqueline Kennedy. Kennedy also initiated the practice of decorating the tree with a specific theme, starting with the "Nutcracker Suite" in 1961.

Today, the White House boasts multiple Christmas trees, including the magnificent tree lit during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has provided a tree for the White House Blue Room. This year, the honor went to Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina, continuing a legacy that has evolved from a simple family tradition to a national spectacle.

From President Biden's "Season of Peace and Light" theme to the echoes of Archie Roosevelt's secret tree, the White House Christmas tree continues to embody the spirit of the season, reflecting both the changing times and the enduring power of tradition.