Christmas at the White House
Holiday decorations at the White House.
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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - The 2013 Christmas theme at the White House is "Gather Around," a sentiment echoed in this year's holiday card featuring the first family's dogs, Sunny and Bo. "As we gather around this season, may the warmth and joy of the holidays fill your home," it reads. For the next couple of weeks, thousands of Americans will gather around at the White House to check out the 41 trees and countless ornaments. Here's a peek at some of what they'll see. — Joyce Jones (Photo: Today Show via Twitter)
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Merry Christmas, America! - President Obama waves during the 91st national Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House on Dec. 6. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first national Christmas tree, a 48-foot Balsam fir. (Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo-Pool/Getty Images)
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It's Tree Time! - The day after Thanksgiving, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and family dog Bo received the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House. The 18.5-foot Douglas fir will be on display in the Blue Room. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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All Dressed Up - The official White House Christmas tree on display in the Blue Room of the White House. (Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
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Thank You for Your Service - Photographs of military homecomings are featured on some of the decorations.(Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
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So Happy to See You - First Lady Michelle Obama on Dec. 4 hosted a holiday party for military families to preview this year's decorations. The event also included demonstrations on how to make ornaments and yummy treats.(Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
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Bo and Sunny - Replicas of the first family's dogs, Bo and Sunny, are featured in the East Garden Room of the White House.(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Season's Greetings - Washingtonians and tourists get a small sampling of a White House Christmas from the wreaths on the gates. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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The China Room - This Christmas tree stands in the China Room of the White House. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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The Red Room - Holiday decorations are displayed in the Red Room of the White House.(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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