2009 White House Christmas Ornament, First Electric Christmas Lights

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This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament is a festive holiday wreath, adorned on the front with decorations inspired by the handcrafted Christmas ornaments used in the White House during the Gerald R.Ford presidency. Dozens of cherubs, doves, stars, flowers, gingerbread men, candles, and pentagon balls, in bright, cheery colors are featured with red ribbons at the bottom bearing the words “Christmas 2023” and “The White House.”

When Jacqueline Kennedy established the White House Historical Association in 1961, she envisioned an organization that would educate and inspire Americans — and particularly children — to take part in our shared history. Twenty years later, the Association launched an initiative to celebrate that history by offering unique annual Christmas ornaments to the public. All sales of the ornaments benefit the Association’s mission of education and support for the historical preservation of White House art and artifacts. Since their introduction, the ornaments have become a sought-after and beloved collector’s item for millions of families around the country, providing an opportunity for admirers of the history and the elegance of the White House to share the traditions and stories of holidays past with the next generation.The golden retriever is Liberty, the Ford family’s famous dog, who had a litter of puppies while in the White House.

Home> Products> Ornaments: The Official White House Gift Shop Annual Christmas & Holiday Ornament Collection: 1946 - 2022 A Bicentennial pin signifies President and Mrs. Ford’s contributions to celebrating the 200th anniversary of America’s founding, including a State Dinner in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.Troop 15” signifies Ford’s success in earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievable rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He is currently the only president to have this achieved this honor.

Each year’s ornament honors either an individual president — we are working our way from Washington to present day — or a significant White House anniversary. For example, in addition to the presidents, we’ve celebrated the bicentennial anniversaries of the American presidency (1789), the laying of the White House cornerstone (1792), and the year the White House first served as home to the president (1800). The Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament, the only ornament of its kind, is produced by the White House Historical Association, a private, nonpartisan organization, and made in America by a veteran-founded business. Each ornament funds the work of our historians, researchers, and educators to open the doors to the rich history of the “people’s house” for millions of Americans.

And a gold plaque featuring a view toward the North Portico of the White House identifies Ford’s time as president from 1974 to 1977. A football bearing the number “48,” which Ford wore when playing for the University of Michigan, represents his athleticism.