President Benjamin Harrison placed the first Christmas tree in the White House in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889. It was decorated with candles, toys, and other ornaments designed to impress the Harrison grandchildren. read more
The official White House Christmas tree has several times been seen as controversial by some. In 1899 the White House of President William McKinley received letters urging the president to forgo participation in the "Christmas tree habit". read more