The Tree Arrives
The 2009 White House Christmas tree is an 18.5-ft. Douglas fir. It was grown in Shepherdstown, W.Va.
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Majestic
The tree is lit with environmentally friendly LED lights and decorated with more than 800 ornaments from previous White House Administrations.
Uplift
The theme of the decor is "Reflect, Rejoice and Renew."
Grand Entrance
First Lady Michelle Obama enters the Grand Foyer to speak to the press about the decorations.
Ornament
The ornaments on the Douglas fir in the Blue Room were sent to community groups around the country for refurbishing, with instructions to decorate them with favored American landmarks. They now honor the Statue of Liberty and the Kennedy Space Center, among others.
The Red Room
These two Fraser firs are decorated with red ribbons and cranberries and stand in gilded Versailles boxes.
Master Work
White House pastry chef Bill Yosses stands next to a gingerbread house that is covered in white chocolate and weighs 390 lb.
Sweet
The gingerbread White House includes a replica of the First Lady's vegetable garden.
Tiny
Inside the gingerbread house is a cutout revealing a dining room with a working chandelier and furniture made of chocolate.
Family Member
A tiny candy version of Bo, the Obamas' dog, is crafted from marzipan.
Outside
The National Christmas Tree, situated on the Mall, also features energy-efficient lighting, consuming 6,000 watts (vs. 18,000 last year). It will be lit by the Obamas in an official ceremony on Dec. 3, 2009.
SOURCE: TIME Magazine
