Christmas At The White House: A Look Back (PHOTOS) | HuffPost Life

Christmas At The White House: A Look Back (PHOTOS)

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Merry Christmas! In honor of Santa Claus coming to D.C. (and entering through the Yellow Room Chimney), we'd like to take a look back at past Christmases in the White Ho-ho-house.

Which president had 26 trees, including one in the laundry room? Which first lady distributed decorating instructions to families around the country? Who was allergic to seasonal plants? Which administration put up the "Cadillac of Christmas trees?" And who began the tradition of trimmings with a theme, anyway?

Check out our Christmas at the White House holiday album:

wh xmas

The Roosevelts(01 of06)

In this Dec. 25, 1939, file photo it was a family Christmas at the White House in Washington for the Roosevelt's in the East Room as the family watches Johnny Boettiger, son of Anna Roosevelt Boettiger crawl on the floor. Seated on floor, left to right: Eleanor "Sistie" Dall; Diana Hopkins, daughter of Harry Hopkins, Secretary of Commerce; and Curtis "Buzzie" Dall, Jr. Seated, left to right: Mrs. Sara Roosevelt, the president's mother; Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt, Jr., with Franklin III on lap; the president; Mrs. John Boettiger, the president's daughter, mother of Johnny; Mrs. J.R. Roosevelt, the chief executive's sister-in-law; and Mrs. John Roosevelt. Standing, left to right: Franklin, Jr., John Roosevelt and John Boettiger. (AP Photo/File)

The Eisenhowers(02 of06)

In this Dec. 19, 1958, file photo President Dwight Eisenhower and first lady Mamie Eisenhower pose with their family on the Christmas tree-lighted North Portico of the White House in Washington. Mamie Eisenhower set a long-standing record of 26 Christmas trees in the White House _ including one in the laundry room. The grandchildren, left to right, are: Barbara Ann, 9; Mary Jean, 8; David, 19, and Susan, 7; Maj. John Eisenhower and his wife Barbara Jean stand in the rear. (AP Photo/Bill Allen, File)

The Kennedys(03 of06)

This Dec. 12, 1962 photo provided by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum shows President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy alongside a White House Christmas tree in Washington.The dress worn by Jacqueline Kennedy for her second holiday season in the White House is going on display at the Museum during the 2009 holiday season. (AP Photo/John F. Kennedy Library, White House photographer Robert Knudsen)

The Nixons(04 of06)

In this Dec. 20, 1971, file photo President Nixon romps with his Irish setter King Timahoe at the White House in Washington as members of the first family look on during the CBS taping of "Christmas at the White House" to be broadcast on Christmas Eve. In 1973 Pat Nixon cut way back on Christmas lights during the energy crisis. From left, CBS correspondent Marya McLaughlin, Mrs. Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, David Eisenhower, Julie Nixon, and Edward Cox. Julie's silver poodle, Vicki, is behind the President. (AP Photo/File)

The Carters(05 of06)

First Lady Rosalynn Carter stands beside the White House Christmas tree Tuesday, December 12, 1978, during a preview for reporters. The tree is decorated with antique toys, dolls, and miniature furniture from the collections of the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, N.Y. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma)

The Bushes(06 of06)

While holding her grandson Walker, U.S. First Lady Barbara Bush (C) helps Joe Riley (R) of the Pageant of Peace place a star atop the National Christmas Tree across from the White House 01 December 1992. President Bush will throw the switch to light the tree 10 December. (Photo credit should read ROBERT GIROUX/AFP/Getty Images)

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