CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina tree will once again sit in the White House this year, but how did the tradition of a presidential Christmas tree get started?
The White House Christmas tree tradition dates back all the way to the 1800s, according to the White House. The tradition began in 1889 with President Benjamin Harrison. However, first lady Mamie Eisenhower established the tradition of keeping a tree in the Blue Room.
Since then, choosing a tree from across the country has become a yearly tradition. North Carolina's had the honor of providing the most trees, sending 61 trees to the White House for the holidays.
This year's tree was selected from Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County. Nicknamed "Tremendous," the Fraser fir stands 19 feet tall and will be cut down next month before it heads to Washington. The Cartner brothers said the tree symbolizes what's good in humanity, standing for hope, faith and love.
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