The holiday season is officially underway, and with it comes the annual debut of the White House holiday decorations.
Melania Trump unveiled this year’s look for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue along with the theme that inspired it: “The Spirit of America.”
In addition to patriotic accents, the First Lady has opted for a classic color palette of evergreen, white, silver, and red. Notably, the east colonnade, which last year became the source of internet memes when Melania’s crimson topiary tree decorations were revealed, is decked out in silver stars and lit glass panels decorated with snowy Christmas tree scenes.
“The Spirit of America” is shining in the @WhiteHouse [1]! I am delighted to share this beautiful exhibit of patriotism for all to see, and excited for everyone to experience the beauty of the #Christmas [2] season! pic.twitter.com/qGxxl9qBrd [3]
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 2, 2019 [4]
In addition to the east colonnade, the White House decor includes red ornaments and blue bows decorating festive evergreen trees, a nativity scene, a Gold Star tree decorated by the families of servicemen, game-themed decorations in the Red Room, and a selection of gingerbread replicas of some of America’s iconic landmarks including the White House, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty.
The centerpiece of the White House’s seasonal decorations, the towering 18-foot Douglas fir that serves as this year’s traditional official White House Christmas tree, is decorated with handmade paper flowers depicting the official flowers of each state.
“This Christmas season I want to honor those who have shaped our country and made it the place we are proud to call home,” Melania said in a press release.
“The Spirit of America”#ChristmasWhiteHouse2019 [5] pic.twitter.com/4zgxBJN4L1 [6]
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 2, 2019 [7]
“When I travel the country, I am inspired by the hard working people and families that I meet,” she continued. “No matter which state they call home, many Americans share a strong set of values and deep appreciation for the traditions and history of our great nation.”
But, once again, Melania just doesn’t…get it?
Twitter seemed to agree:
There is even a The Shining-like cameo from two random people dressed like either chefs or grand wizards. pic.twitter.com/AlTYba4P5w [8]
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) December 2, 2019 [9]
This is the creepiest not-intended-to-be-creepy #Christmas [2]… thing I've ever seen. It looks like what would happen if you uploaded all the Hallmark movies into the homicidal fembot from EX-MACHINA and gave her a line of credit at William Sonoma.#ChristmasWhiteHouse2019 [5] https://t.co/0op6ciNmqM [10]
— Bob Chipman (@the_moviebob) December 2, 2019 [11]
I got a warmer feeling watching Danny roam the halls at the Overlook in The Shining. https://t.co/xL6ZYDt0RY [12]
— Fiona Adorno (@FionaAdorno) December 2, 2019 [13]
Shining is right. As in The Shining. REDRUM…..
Last year it was Night of the Living Red Xmas Trees. Now, the set from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Can't you, just once, not do the Tim Burton school of decorating? https://t.co/IERyoRNVp4 [14]
— Howard (@HowardA_Esq) December 2, 2019 [15]
Melania's unveiled this year's WH Christmas decor. The theme is Soap Opera Star Striding Through An 80s Department Store Looking For A Restroom pic.twitter.com/Y9te7IheqE [16]
— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) December 2, 2019 [17]
What is she even doing here?
I mean, some poor sap carefully piled up that fake snow and here come’s Melania sprinkling it like its freaking magic dust from Santa’s L’il Sweatshop.
This person doesn’t understand even the concept of a human Christmas tree. pic.twitter.com/zTXIpcq18Q [18]
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) December 2, 2019 [19]