First Lady Jill Biden Welcomes 'Magnificent' Christmas Tree To White House, President Pardons Turkeys 'Liberty' And 'Bell'

First Lady Jill Biden has officially welcomed the holiday season at the White House with the arrival of the official Christmas tree for 2023.

What Happened: The First Lady, Jill Biden, continued a decades-long tradition on Monday, as she received the official White House Christmas tree, in the company of military families. She expressed her admiration for the tree, deeming it “magnificent,” reported People.

The White House’s official X account shared photos of the arrival of the Christmas tree on Monday.

The official holiday centerpiece, an 18 1/2-foot Fraser fir, hails from Fleetwood, North Carolina. The tree was presented by Amber Scott and Alex Church, winners of the National Christmas Tree Association’s annual contest. The Fraser fir will add festive charm to the White House’s Blue Room, reaching from floor to ceiling.

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The practice of presenting the annual Christmas tree is a 58-year-old tradition. According to The Carolina Journal, North Carolina has won the honor of providing the tree 15 times, more than any other state.

The festive kickoff also saw President Joe Biden upholding another White House tradition – the pardoning of two turkeys, Liberty and Bell. The joyous events also coincided with President Biden’s 81st birthday.

Why It Matters: The tradition of the First Lady receiving the White House Christmas tree is a cherished one, gaining more significance in light of previous controversies.

Last year, former First Lady Melania Trump had to clarify her stance on Christmas, after a White House aide released secretly recorded conversations that suggested indifference on her part towards the holiday. Melania Trump later issued a statement asserting the importance of Christmas to her.

Photo Courtesy: IgorAleks On Shutterstock.com

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