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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.
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
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In a workshop in Margilan, in eastern Uzbekistan's Fergana Region, silk threads are still being transformed into brightly coloured atlas and adras fabrics using techniques passed down through generations.
An online petition is calling for singer Pink to be removed from her UNICEF role following criticism of Macklemore over his pro-Palestinian remarks during Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
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