Christmas at the White House

Look back at presidential decorations and celebrations through the years in Christmas at the White House, a book of beautifully restored photos by Jennifer B. Pickens.

President and Mrs. Kennedy at the White House

As reception guests look on, President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy pose for a photo in front of the 1962 official tree in the Grand Foyer.

Four-year-old Caroline Kennedy gets a long-anticipated look at the enchanting decorations on the Blue Room tree.

Mother and daughter (Patricia Nixon and Julie Eisenhower Nixon) admire the gingerbread house in the State Dining Room, 1963.

Jane Engelhard, her daughter Annette Reed de la Renta and 6-year-old granddaughter Beatrix Reed pose with Lady Bird Johnson at the unveiling of the Engelhard family's gift to the White House, December 15, 1967.

The Johnsons gather for a family portrait in the private residence, 1968.

Betty and Susan Ford make ornaments for the tree in the Solarium of the private residence.

First lady Rosalynn Carter displays a ball gown made for daughter Amy. It was designed by Louis Nichole after one of the Victorian dolls on the tree and handmade from Nottingham lace tablecloths.

President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan peer through the flocked branches of the trees in the East Room, 1984.

A Marine Band pianist plays in the Grand Foyer.

A Marine Band pianist plays the Steinway grand piano in the Grand Foyer among sparkling Christmas trees.

President George H.W. Bush reads Christmas stories to his grandchildren during the holidays at Camp David.

The Blue Room set for a Christmas party for Mrs. Bush's 2005 All Things Bright and Beautiful theme.

The Blue Room set for a Christmas party for Laura Bush's 2005 All Things Bright and Beautiful theme.

The official White House tree arrives at the White House.

President George W. Bush's dogs, Barney and Mrs. Beazly, outside the South Portico of the White House.

Larry Forrest of the national Park Service assembles 12-foot-tall nutcrackers for Mrs. Bush's 2003 Christmas, A Season of Stories.

Larry Forrest of the national Park Service assembles 12-foot-tall nutcrackers from ETC Hoffmans The Nutcracker and the Mouse King for Laura Bush's 2003 Christmas, A Season of Stories.

The 2008 Gingerbread House in the State Dinning Room

The 2008 Gingerbread House in the State Dining Room, trimmed for a Red, White and Blue Christmas theme.

Handmade ornaments on one of the many White House Christmas trees

Handmade ornaments adorn one of the many White House Christmas trees.

First Lady Laura Bush at the White House

First lady Laura Bush and executive pastry chef Roland Mesnier display the gingerbread house for the press on December 4, 2003.

Hillary Clinton gazes at the recently restored White House Creche. .

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton gazes at the restored White House Creche, 1999.

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Published 12/17/2009