Laura Bush: Red, White and Blue

In 2001, “Home for the Holidays” was chosen as the Christmas theme with the twins in mind, Mrs. Bush was thinking ahead when the girls would be home from school. Trees were decorated with snowflakes, icicles and gold pinecones. In 2002, “All Creatures Great and Small” was the theme and red and gold dominated the color scheme. “Season of Stories” was the theme for 2003, a holiday wish to all Americans for “happy reading adventures and joyful holidays to all”. This theme furthered Mrs. Bush’s personal cause of literacy and also paid homage to her mother-in-law, plus it was fun to incorporate Barbara Bush’s archived ornaments. In 2004, “Season of Merriment and Melody” was the theme and icicle trees and musical vignettes prevailed. “All things Bright and Beautiful” was the theme in 2005, highlighting the beauty and goodness of nature in a year when its powerful forces caused heartbreaking destruction. Mrs. Bush wanted to remind Americans that nature was also a blessing. “Deck the Halls and Welcome All” was the theme in 2006, the Blue Room tree was decorated simply with elegant beads and iridescent glass ornaments. “Holidays in the National Parks” was the theme in 2007, highlighting the national park historic sites and monuments. In 2008, the “Red, White and Blue Christmas” theme washed the house in patriotic hues along with flags and oversized nutcrackers. (Photos courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)