The White House is, of course, home to the President as well as his family. They are part of a season-long whirlwind of events that bring Christmas to life. One of the most exciting events that kicks off the holiday season in Washington, D.C. is the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

The tradition of illuminating a tree at the White House began in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge. It is tradition that a tree of great splendor be lit to begin the Christmas festivities not only in Washington, but around the country as well. Once the National tree has been lit, Americans feel that the Christmas season has really gotten started.

In 1978, the tree that is currently lit was brought in from York, Pennsylvania. It is a towering blue spruce that stands 40 feet tall. This tree stands on what is called the Ellipse, the grounds south of the White House. Along with the tree, the “Pathway to Peace” is also lit on the same night. This is a walkway lined with 56 smaller trees. The trees represent the 50 states, D.C. and the five U.S. territories. Although the location of the tree has been moved on and off the Ellipse, that is where the first tree stood and it is where it stands today. The national tree is for everyone in the nation, and this holiday gift towers over the area.

The ceremony, which is now called the Christmas Pageant of Peace is held in early December. The tree remains lit until January 1st. The ceremony is very popular and tickets to see it live are offered via lottery early in November. Famous names come to perform at the stage at the Ellipse. Volunteer acts perform every night through the season. So there’s always something to see.

The only years that did not see a lit tree were from 1942-1944. During World War II, the tree remained dark in observance of the war effort. In 1945, the tradition resumed to great fanfare. The darkness of the war was then over.

Different entities have been asked to provide decorations for the tree each year. Groups from each state contribute ornaments which are then encased in plastic globes to withstand the weather.

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree has become an event that is much anticipated by everyone including school children. President Reagan was the first to invite a child to light the tree along with him and his wife. The child was a terminally ill child who had made a wish through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to be allowed to help light the tree. Every year since, children have been helping the President light the very special tree. The honor is only given to children who have proven their dedication to volunteering for their country in their local neighborhoods. Previous children who have been chosen have worked in their free time to feed and clothe the hungry and homeless.

General Electric has provided the lights for the national tree since 1968. The lights, once screw-in bulbs that had to be replaced manually if they blew out, are now long-lasting LED bulbs. The lights are now more energy efficient and comply with the White House’s request that a more green solution be used for this magnificent tree.

Sold in several wonderful ceramic and premium metal styles, Zazzle’s Christmas ornaments are a lovely gift and a great way to say “Happy Holidays” to your loved ones. Add your own images and text to one of the seven available shapes, or shop in the marketplace for thousands of Christmas designs. Printed in amazingly vibrant color, Zazzle ornaments will make your favorite memories last a very long time, so order one for yourself, or buy a bunch for your family and friends! At Zazzle, the more you buy, the more you save, so order ornaments for everyone you know and you could save up to 20%.

As the leading platform for quality custom products, Zazzle will print your personalized Christmas ornaments very soon after they are ordered. Made in as few as 24 hours after the order is placed, your ornaments will be printed with remarkable precision backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Order your Christmas ornaments online at Zazzle, and you’ll not only have a fantastic holiday gift, but you’ll also have a great keepsake to last for years to come. Shop for ornaments in the marketplace or create your own custom ornaments today! Visit Zazzle.com to get started.

Are you ever going to get home for dinner on time? Luckily for you, ChristmasGifts.com is waiting for you on your home computer. Yes, I really mean that you do not have to endure this frustrating scene any longer. So put down that Christmas ornament, get in your car and drive home. Kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy Christmas shopping again! Your Christmas shopping experience can be a pleasant one, because no matter what is going on at the mall, you are always first in line at ChristmasGifts.com. You can find the best Christmas presents for anyone on your list, including Christmas gifts for your boss, gifts for your in laws and gifts for kids! Whatever you are looking for this Christmas season, ChristmasGifts.com will help you find it… all in the peace and quiet of your own home!

On the Ornaments.com directory, you will find hood ornaments, wearable ornaments, and lawn ornaments as well as what we traditionally think of as ornaments.

The Ornaments.com staff searches for unique ornaments and ornament artists and shares the results with ornament collectors and gift buyers on the Ornaments Directory.  They display over 500 different ornament stores and websites, presenting a great stage for “showing off” the beautiful ornaments.

Ornament collectors and gift buyers refer to the growing Ornaments Directory at Ornaments.com year round for Christmas ornaments as well as for other holiday ornaments.

Please visit Ornaments.com often and watch us add new ornaments and ornament vendors daily.

For example, Christmas lights really up the ambiance-factor of an otherwise humdrum balcony, deck, or patio.   And the Personalized Christmas Photo Ornaments I received as a gift look fantastic hanging in the kitchen, the bedroom, or even from the rearview mirror of my car!  I’ve even hung the custom-made Christmas stocking I bought last year near the front door so I have a handy place to put my keys and separate my bills from my junk mail.

As for the hundreds of other ornaments and Christmas Decorations that have been piling up in the hall closet, the secret to organization is easy.  Take time to snap a quick photo of the ornaments or other Christmas decorations that you’re packing away in a shoebox – then tape the photo to the outside of the box.  When the holiday season rolls around again, it’ll be a snap to locate your favorite ornaments, stockings, wreaths, and table décor without having to dig through mountains of tissue paper and bubble wrap!

Cleaning out and re-organizing your Christmas decorations is a great way to uncover Stocking Stuffers for next year, too!   All of the little Christmas knickknacks that were buried under piles of gift wrap and tinsel can be re-wrapped and gifted to friends, family and co-workers when you don’t need to give a big expensive gift, or just want lots of little things to pile up under the tree.  However you decide to tackle your post-holiday chores, make it more fun by turning on some Christmas carols and making time to flip through all of those priceless holiday photos.  After all, it’ll be Christmas again before you even know it!