Lighting Our National Christmas Tree
Since 1923 the public celebration of Christmas in America has included a National Christmas Tree. That year First Lady Grace Coolidge gave the District of Columbia public schools permission to set up a Christmas tree on the Ellipse near the White House. That first 48-foot tree was from President Coolidge’s home state of Vermont.
Photo and caption courtesy of the Library of Congress.
The tradition of a National Christmas Tree has continued since 1923, when President Coolidge began the tradition of the president lighting the tree. President Coolidge lit the tree on Christmas Eve in 1923.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Today entertainers and other dignitaries participate in a gala evening with thousands of spectators. I enjoyed seeing these photos of the lighting of the 2024 National Christmas Tree which occurred this year on December 5.
National Park Service Director Charles F. Sams III speaks at the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5, at the White House and President’s Park.
Photo by NPS photographer Nathan King.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, a Native American of the Pueblo of Laguna, delivers holiday greetings at the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5, at the White House and President’s Park.
Photo by NPS photographer Kelsey Graczyk.
Trisha Yearwood performs at the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5, at the White House and President’s Park.
Photo by NPS photographer Nathan King.
James Taylor performs at the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5, at the White House and President’s Park.
Photo by NPS photographer Kelsey Graczyk.
President Joe Biden lights the National Christmas Tree at the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 5, at the White House and President’s Park.
Photo by NPS photographer Kelsey Graczyk.
Visitors enjoy the 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting.
Photo by NPS photographer Kelsey Graczyk.
Photo by NPS photographer Kelsey Graczyk.
There was the true Light
which, coming into the world,
enlightens every man.
John 1:9
So Jesus said to them,
“For a little while longer the Light is among you.
Walk while you have the Light,
so that darkness will not overtake you;
he who walks in the darkness
does not know where he goes.
While you have the Light, believe in the Light,
so that you may become sons of Light.”
John 12: 35-36a