A White House Christmas Gallery: The Reagan Years

President Reagan and Nancy Reagan official photo with Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 12, 1988.

The Reagan Holidays

The theme for 1981 was “Old Fashion Christmas with the Museum of Folk Art “; the museum lent the White House national treasures such as Victorian dollhouses and miniature period furniture. “Old Fashion Christmas with Foil Paper Cones and Snowflakes” was the theme for 1982, and included glitzy shiny ornaments and plenty of angels. “Old Fashion Christmas with Antique Toys” was the theme for 1983, an antique toy circus was placed under the tree, and gold foil paper chains were used throughout the House. “Enchanting Creatures” was the theme for 1984, volunteers from the Brandywine River Museum in Pennsylvania crafted Christmas “critters” that were woodland creatures made from natural materials like pinecones. In 1985 “Old Fashion Christmas with Teddy Bears” was the theme, Mrs. Reagan used regular size bears to decorate the House. “Mother Goose” was the theme for 1986. Stuffed goose ornaments illustrating the nursery rhyme covered the Blue Room tree. “Toyland Musical Tree” was the theme for 1987 and focused in on Mrs. Reagan’s sweetest holiday memories revolving around classic Christmas carols. For their last Christmas in the White House, the theme was a variation of 1985’s “Old-Fashion Tree with Teddy Bears”. The bears were back, placed alongside wooden candles and yarn dolls. Gold bows were prevalent and used as accents throughout the House. (Photos courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library)

President Reagan receives a Menorah from the Friends of Lubavitch in the oval office, December 15, 1987.

First Lady Nancy Reagan hangs an ornament on the Blue Room Christmas tree, December 10, 1982.

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan decorating the family Christmas tree in the White House, December 1983.

Nancy Reagan sits on Santa Claus's (President Reagan) lap at a Christmas eve party at the Wick residence in Washington, DC, December 24, 1983.

President Reagan and Nancy Reagan look at White House Christmas decorations in the State Dining Room, December 9, 1984.

Christmas trees and Christmas decorations in the East Room, December 13, 1985.

Christmas decorations in the White House, December 12, 1987.

President Reagan and Nancy Reagan's Christmas photograph in the Blue Room, December 15, 1987.