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First Lady of the United States Melania Trump has unveiled the 2025 White House Christmas decorations under the theme “Home Is Where The Heart Is”. Around 1,500 volunteers helped Mrs. Trump deck the halls of the Presidential Residence with kilometres of ribbon and thousands of ornaments.
The White House is accessorised by 75 of Mrs. Trump’s signature wreaths with red bows, more than 50 Christmas trees, around 213 metres of garland, approximately 7.6 kilometres of ribbon, and 10,000 butterflies according to the statement.
Introducing the theme, the First Lady reflected that “the constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space.”
“Rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings,” she added.
The First Lady says she urges the nation to “celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us” this Christmas.
“After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities,” she concluded.
In a White House press release, it says the decorations adorning the Executive Mansion also emphasise transformation, tradition, and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States with patriotic red, white and blue displays in the East Room.
At the centre of this year’s design is “Fostering the Future Red Room”, dedicated to the themes of belonging, resilience, and national character according to the White House.
The state parlour is illuminated with blue butterflies which the White House says symbolises “transformation and renewal,” reflecting the First Lady’s ongoing advocacy for the foster-care community, a cause she has supported since 2021.
The Blue Room’s official Christmas tree— an about 5.5-metre (18-foot) white fir—honours Gold Star Families, the immediate families of U.S. service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ornaments on the tree represent every U.S. state and territory.
Two presidential portraits reside in the Green Room — one of George Washington, Founding Father and the first president of the United States, and one of the current President, Donald Trump. Both portraits are made up of 6,000 Lego pieces.
This year’s gingerbread house—made from more than 54 kilogrammes (120 pounds) of gingerbread—depicts the South Portico and a view of the Yellow Oval Room.
Renowned designer Hervé Pierre oversaw the décor and produced a limited-edition tour booklet capturing the holiday theme.
It is the second time Melania Trump has taken charge of the White House holiday decorations. She last did so in 2016, during President Trump’s first presidential term.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have concluded talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat said on Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused U.S. government and Israel-aligned actors of manipulating energy markets to promote the war with Iran.
Russian strikes on the Kyiv region overnight killed 37 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. Zelenskyy added that the Ukrainian capital was under "virtually nonstop attack" from drones.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan in the first direct U.S.-Iran military escalation in weeks.
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died aged 80, her family said on Tuesday.
Kanye West’s first solo concert in Central Asia delivered an estimated five billion tenge ($11 million) tourism boost to Almaty, drawing 31,000 spectators from more than 50 countries.
American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV shows such as Nashville and Heroes, has died at the age of 36, ABC News reported on Sunday, citing her representative.
Four artworks by 15th-century painter Antonello da Messina have been stolen overnight from the Museo Regionale di Messina, Italy's culture minister said on Sunday, expressing confidence in the police inquiry.
Cristiano Ronaldo has given one of his clearest indications yet that his playing career is nearing its end, saying the 2026-27 season will “probably” be his last in professional football.
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