WASHINGTON — The White House is preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas on Monday, with the official turkey pardon and delivery of the official White House Christmas tree.
The National Turkey Federation introduced the two turkeys that President Biden will pardon Monday morning at a Sunday event at The Willard.
The chairman of the National Turkey Federation, John Zimmerman and his 9-year-old son introduced Peach and Blossom, whom they raised in Northfield, Minnesota.
"I'm sure there's one question — they want to know this question, too — on everyone's mind and what are their names. So now, I'd like to ask my son Grant to officially introduce everyone to the 2024 presidential turkeys," Zimmerman said.
"I’d like you to meet Peach and Blossom," his son Grant said.
This is the 77th annual presidential turkey presentation, but historians believe it didn't become an official tradition until George H.W. Bush’s administration.
Folklore says that during Abraham Lincoln’s administration, his son asked to spare a pet turkey that was supposed to be cooked for dinner.
In addition to the turkey pardon, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden is helping the White House prepare for Christmas.
She’ll receive the official White House Christmas tree this afternoon alongside military families.
It’s a 20-foot Fraser Fir from the Cartner family in Newland, North Carolina.
The Cartner Christmas Tree Farm won the 2024 Grand Champion Grower award in the National Christmas Tree Association's annual contest.
It will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House, in which the chandelier has been removed to accommodate the tree's full height.
The White House said this showcases the resilience of Christmas tree farmers and communities across western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.