A “Season of Peace and Light, the theme for the 2024 White House holiday season, embodies the cherished traditions and warmth of the holiday season.
In a warm welcome letter to visitors at the beginning of the commemorative 2024 White House Holiday Guidebook, President and First Lady Biden write:
“The holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, and we’ve loved opening the doors of the People’s House wider and wider each year, continuing the spirit of goodwill and gratitude. America’s story is your story, and we hope you feel at home here.
“As we celebrate our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by the values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness towards our neighbors, and the power of community and connection.
“It has been the honor of our lives to serve as your President and First Lady. Our hope is for the Nation to be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”
The President and First Lady conclude the holiday guidebook with a message for visitors:
“At the holidays, Americans come together every year in fellowship and faith, reminding us that we are stronger as a community than we are apart. The strength of our country, and the soul of our Nation, come from you. May the promise of this ‘Season of Peace and Light’ guide your path forward.”
During an event concluding the holiday season at the White House, the First Lady officially unveiled the holiday and seasonal décor and offered her holiday message to the Nation. She also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers from across the country who adorned the White House for the holiday season. As part of her *Joining Forces* initiative to support military families, Dr. Biden invited Gold Star families as the first guests to experience the White House holiday decor. She, a fellow National Guard mother, wanted to honor the unique role the National Guard plays in serving our country, both domestically and internationally.
The White House anticipates welcoming approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. Videos, photos, and information about the holiday decor are available on WhiteHouse.gov/Holidays. Throughout the holiday season, several interactive experiences will be launched on digital platforms, enabling individuals to engage with the White House during the holidays from home.
**2024 Holidays at the White House, by the numbers:**
* It takes over **300 dedicated volunteers** from across the country working a full week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House.
* There are **83 Christmas trees** throughout the White House.
* Approximately **9,810 feet of ribbon**, **over 28,125 ornaments**, and **over 2,200 doves** were used this year to decorate the White House.
* Over **165,075 holiday lights** adorn the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays.
* The Gingerbread White House includes **25 sheets of gingerbread dough**, **10 sheets of sugar cookie dough**, **65 pounds of pastillage**, **45 pounds of chocolate**, **50 pounds of royal icing**, and **10 pounds
What specific messages about unity, hope, and community do President and First Lady Biden convey in their holiday message and guidebook? [[1](https://apnews.com/article/white-holiday-decorations-christmas-trees-ae0de2e0e7b8b70c409909796d3591d2)]
## A Season of Peace and Light at the White House
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by [Guest Name], a historian who specializes in White House traditions. The 2024 White House holiday season is upon us, and the theme this year is “Season of Peace and Light”.
Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this theme, especially considering it’s the Bidens‘ final holiday season in the White House? [[1](https://apnews.com/article/white-house-holiday-decorations-christmas-trees-ae0de2e0e7b8b70c409909796d3591d2)]
**Guest:** Thank you for having me. “Season of Peace and Light” is a truly fitting theme for the Bidens’ last holiday in the White House.
It reflects their consistent emphasis on unity, faith, and community throughout their presidency. The theme harkens back to traditional values while also acknowledging the current political climate, urging Americans to find common ground and seek togetherness during the holidays.
This year, the White House decorations truly bring this theme to life with nearly 10,000 feet of ribbon, thousands of ornaments, and thousands of doves symbolizing peace. The sheer scale and beauty of the decorations are meant to inspire awe and remind visitors of the collective strength and spirit of the nation.
**Interviewer:** The White House has released a guidebook for visitors this year. What notable messages did President and First Lady Biden include?
**Guest:** Their message emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the importance of cherished traditions and welcoming Americans from all walks of life to the ”People’s House.”
They also reiterate their belief in American strength through unity, advocating for kindness, and reminding everyone of the power of community.
Their closing message is particularly touching, acknowledging the challenges the nation faces while urging everyone to seek and spread hope and optimism during this holiday season.
I believe this final holiday season at the White House will be remembered for its beautiful decorations, its heartfelt message of unity, and its tribute to the enduring spirit of the American people.
