First Lady Pool Reports of November 25, 2024

FLOTUS pool report 1 - Christmas tree

First and only pool report about the Christmas tree arrival! Recall POTUS and FLOTUS are headed to NY later this afternoon.

Tree rode in on a green carriage adorned with red wheels, holiday wreaths and a white sign reading "White House Christmas Tree 2024," arriving in front of the White House North Portico at 2:25 PM ET to holiday music played by the military band. The two horses were adorned with tiny Christmas trees along their manes, green and white ribbons, jingle bells and black harnesses, led by three people in top hats and suits.

Guests, including the Cartner family and NC Rep. Virginia Foxx, filtered out of the WH entrance and lined up for a picture with the tree and carriage at 2:40 PM.

FLOTUS came out to a rendition of "Oh Christmas Tree" from the military band at 2:45 PM, dressed in a a red suit, black heels and white scarf. She was holding hands with grandson Beau and walked out with NC National Guard guests. She proceeded to take pictures with the tree and guests.

FLOTUS started speaking at the podium before the carriage at 2:48 PM, with Beau in tow, referencing recent hurricane recovery efforts in NC.

Some highlights from her remarks, which are available on video:

"The Cartner family lost thousands of trees in the storm, but this one remained standing, and they named it 'tree-mendous' for the extraordinary hope that it represents."

(Note that's the phonetic spelling of the tree, not the actual one.)

"It's an honor to be here today with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx as well as members of the North Carolina National Guard and their families who are leading the work to rebuild after the hurricane. This tree recognizes your tremendous, tremendous strength and service. In just a few days, volunteers from all over the country will pour in to transform this tree and decorate the entire White House — and out of the whirlwind of glitter and garlands will come the warmth and comfort of the season. I can't wait for you all to share in it. Happy holidays," she concluded at 2:49, thanking guests for being here. She approached more guests and family to say hello and happy holidays at 2:50 away from the Portico.

At 2:51, as FLOTUS returned to the Portico, she answered a shouted question from the press: "what are you thankful for?"

"My health," she answered.

Please check quotes against video.

And forwarding from the First Lady's office:

Today, November 25th, First Lady Jill Biden will receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree at the White House. This event will be livestreamed HERE at 2:30 PM ET.

As part of the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative, which supports those who also serve: military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, Dr. Biden will welcome the tree alongside the following North Carolina National Guard families:

• The Yensan Family, North Carolina National Guard: Master Sergeant Dereck David Yensan and his spouse Samantha. They are joined by their six children: Aralyn, Skyler, Kinley, David, Noah and Lucas.
• The Davis Family, North Carolina National Guard: Sergeant Amanda Davis and her spouse Alex. They are joined by their two children: Harper and Les.
• The Shook Family, North Carolina National Guard: Senior Non-commissioned officer Robert T. Shook and his spouse Sheena. They are joined by their two children: Emmalee and Owen.
• The Barajas-Gomez Family, North Carolina National Guard: A1C Lucero D. Barajas-Gomez. She is joined by her family: Jose (father), Eva (mother), and Brisa (sister).

The centerpiece of this holiday season is an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from Newland, North Carolina, which will stand floor to ceiling, filling the Blue Room of the White House. Every year, the room's chandelier is removed to accommodate the tree's full height. This year's tree will be presented to the First Lady by the Cartner Family of Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm, the 2024 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's annual contest. The official tree will be brought in via carriage by two Clydesdale horses named "Ben" and "Dillion."

The Cartner family named this year's tree "Tremendous" to "represent everything good about humanity, about faith, hope and love, and family, joy and all the wonderful things in our society." The Cartner's Christmas tree will showcase the resilience of Christmas tree farmers and communities across western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.In October 2024, the First Lady traveled to Asheville, North Carolina to meet with community members and volunteers following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

History of First Lady Jill Biden Receiving the White House Christmas Tree

• First Lady Jill Biden received the official 2023 White House Christmas Tree along with military-connected families. The centerpiece was an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina. The tree was presented by siblings Amber Scott and Alex Church, of Cline Church Nursery, the 2023 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's annual contest.
• First Lady Jill Biden received the official 2022 White House Christmas Tree along with fellow National Guard and Army mom, Mrs. Kelly Hokanson, the spouse of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau General. The centerpiece was an 18 ½ foot Concolor Fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania. The tree was presented by the Shealer Family of Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm, the 2022 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's annual contest.
• First Lady Jill Biden received the official 2021 White House Christmas Tree along with a D.C. Army National Guard family to honor the role of the National Guard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The centerpiece was an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from Jefferson, North Carolina. This tree was presented by Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms, who were named 2021 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's annual contest.

History of the White House Christmas Tree from the White House Historical Association:

• The first known Christmas tree in the White House was placed upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration. It was decorated with candles for the Harrison grandchildren.
• Documentation suggests the first electric lights on a family tree were used in 1894 during the presidency of Grover Cleveland (as electricity was installed in the White House in 1891).
• The Taft children—Robert, Helen, and Charles—placed the first tree in the Blue Room on the State Floor in 1912. President William Howard Taft and First Lady Helen Taft were away on a trip to Panama, so the tree was a surprise for the seven young Laughlin and Herron cousins, who with their parents, were guests at the White House.
• Since the Taft family placed a Christmas tree in the Blue Room in 1912, this custom of placing a tree or multiple trees on the State Floor was sporadically performed by successive first families. Some families placed a small tree in the Blue Room; many others preferred a large tree or trees in the East Room, as this was where most of the seasonal activities took place.
• During the Dwight Eisenhower administration, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower featured a tree in the Blue Room consistently. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy continued this tradition and in 1961 selected a theme for the annual Blue Room Christmas tree. That year, the tree was decorated with objects depicting characters and toys from the "Nutcracker Suite" ballet. This tradition of a themed Blue Room Christmas tree has continued ever since.
• Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has held a competition for the official White House Blue Room tree. To qualify for the national contest, growers must first win their state or regional competitions.