White House 2004 Holiday christmas

For Immediate Release Office of the First Lady December 2, 2004

White House 2004 Holiday Theme Is "a Season of Merriment and Melody"

Mrs. Laura Bush announced today "A Season of Merriment and Melody" as the theme for the 2004 holiday season at the White House. Combining the magic of the holidays with the popular songs of the season, the theme celebrates melodies that have brought joy to Americans for generations.

Since July, the White House residence staff has designed and crafted vignettes of holiday songs including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells. The vignettes will be displayed on mantels and pier tables throughout the White House, while more than 41 flocked trees will create a winter wonderland on the State Floor.

In keeping with tradition, the official White House Christmas tree adorns the Blue Room. The 18 foot Noble Fir was grown by John and Carol Tillman of Rochester, Washington. The White House Christmas tree is decorated with 350 musical instrument ornaments painted by the members of the Society of Decorative Painters. Every state has a painter represented on the tree.

White House Christmas Tree

Each guest visiting the White House will receive a tour book illustrated by Elise Primavera from New Jersey. The illustrations feature President and Mrs. Bush's pets Barney and Willie enjoying the sounds of the season at the White House.

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• Remarks by the First Lady
• Fact Sheet: White House Holiday Decorations