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Inside the Christmas town Norman Rockwell made famous

Norman Rockwell Museum curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett shares how Stockbridge, Mass. recreates the iconic Christmas painting. | 'Main Street' painting ?1967 Norman Rockwell Family Agency. Other Rockwell holiday artworks ? SEPS: Curtis Licensing.

One of the most iconic lines in movie history is, "There’s no place like home" from the American classic "The Wizard of Oz." Decades later, that statement still rings true for a little girl in Kansas and the other thousands that will go inside the White House to see this year’s Christmas decorations which first lady Melania Trumpbeautifully selected with the theme "Home Is Where The Heart Is."  

Mrs. Trump once again proved her thoughtfulness and respect for the tradition of the White House and those inhabitants who have come before her, while confidently and elegantly not being constrained by them. She has left her own uniquely distinctive, timeless mark as first lady throughout her Christmas theme inspired by her own life experiences from both motherhood and business, stating, "This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves, and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities." 

From the earliest days of our republic, presidents and first ladies have always welcomed people to the White House, and the holiday season is certainly the most special time to do so. This year, the route will be slightly different to accommodate the construction of the ballroom, but that has not deterred Mrs. Trump from hosting time-honored traditions like Halloween at the White House, the Thanksgiving turkey pardoning, and now Christmas receptions and tours.  

Over half a century, since the days of the Kennedy administration, first ladies have orchestrated the décor of the magnificent tree prominently placed in the Blue Room with a theme of their choosing reflecting their personal taste and style. Over the decades, the design has become more extravagant, yet the reflection of what is important to a first family has remained constant.

FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP DECORATES THE WHITE HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS: 'HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS'

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the day musician Andrea Bocelli performs at the White House, Dec. 5, 2025. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Highlighting their personal patriotism, Mrs. Trump designed the historic Blue Room this year to honor Gold Star Families. The 18-foot concolor fir from Michigan was trimmed in Gold Star ornaments as well as beautiful custom ball ornaments representing the official flower and bird of every U.S. state and territory, a custom first begun by first lady Pat Nixon. 

The tantalizing gingerbread house depicting the South Portico of the White House included President Donald Trump’s newest addition to the White House grounds, the American flag, the first lady’s tradition of placing 75 wreaths in the White House windows as well as a view into the private residence with a depiction of the Yellow Oval Room.  

The practice of an annual gingerbread house, started by Mrs. Nixon as well, has always been a favorite in the State Dining Room. "It is edible, but you cannot take a piece with you," said Nick Clemens, a spokesperson for the first lady. An important message given that in 1973, a Time reporter wrote, "An embassy child stood spellbound before this creation, reached out and broke off a piece of the front and popped it in his mouth." At one point, it became necessary at children’s parties to post a Marine guard by the "giant cookie" as the social aides were not fast enough and by 1977 two were posted, one on either side.

PHOTOS: THE MAKING OF TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM, A LOOK AT THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

A hallmark of Mrs. Trump’s Christmas decorations, through the years, has been having elements of her BE BEST initiative in the décor of a room which is brilliantly displayed this year, in the Red Room. While the Green Room is filled with décor to inspire family fun this holiday season, it includes darling portraits of both Presidents Trump and George Washington made from entirely from Legos (each portrait comprises more than 6,000 pieces).