For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
November 29, 2007

Statement by Press Secretary Sally McDonough

      Holidays at the White House 2007

Today Mrs. Laura Bush announced the White House 2007 holiday theme: "Holiday in the National Parks."

In the spirit of gratitude for our natural and historic treasures found from sea to shining sea, this year's theme highlights America's national parks. From breathtaking landscapes to important historical sites, generations have marveled at God's magnificent creation and cherished memories of visits to these special places.

Holiday decorations include a model of North Carolina's Cape Hatteras Lighthouse welcoming visitors in the East Foyer; paintings depicting Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park and Utah's Zion National Park perfectly situated in the niches of the Cross Hall; a reproduction of the Statue of Liberty National Memorial in the Grand Foyer; and the Gingerbread White House featuring the Bush family pets along with creatures found in our national parks.

The official White House Christmas Tree, an 18-foot Fraser fir from Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Tree Farm in Laurel Springs, North Carolina, is adorned with ornaments representing America's national parks. Each ornament reflects the diversity of our national landscapes and the many wonderful and unique treasures found from sea to shining sea.

This year President and Mrs. Bush will welcome more than 60,000 visitors to the White House to tour the holiday decorations. Tour requests can be submitted through Members of Congress. Each guest visiting the White House will receive a holiday booklet illustrated by Michael Glenn Monroe from Brighton, Michigan.

For more information, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2007.

# # #

Printer-Friendly Version   Email this page to a friend