Every year, the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree is not just another holiday event; it’s a moment filled with joy, tradition, and significance. This year, on November 25, the ceremony marked the delivery of the official tree to the North Portico of the White House, bringing with it stories of resilience and community spirit.
The tree, affectionately named 'Tree-mendous,' is a 25-foot Fraser fir sourced from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm located in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The delivery was quite the spectacle, arriving via horse-drawn carriage, pulled by two magnificent Clydesdales named Ben and Dillon. A military band played the festive tune of “O Christmas Tree,” providing the perfect soundtrack to this heartwarming occasion.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden enthusiastically welcomed the tree, marking not only another holiday season but also her last Christmas tree arrival ceremony as First Lady. She stood beside her grandson Beau and military families from the North Carolina National Guard, emphasizing the significance of this year’s tree stemming from a challenging local history. The region had overcome adversity, having been devastated by storm damage from Hurricane Helene, which caused severe flooding and destruction, including substantial losses to the Cartner family’s tree farm.
“The Cartner family lost thousands of trees to the storm,” Biden shared with both pride and sorrow. “But this one remained standing and they named it ‘Tree-mendous’ for the extraordinary hope it signifies.” This simple yet powerful message captured the essence of the tree’s symbolism: resilience, hope, and renewal.
The Cartner family, who have been Christmas tree farmers since 1959, have faced substantial hardships. Following the storm, which wreaked havoc across the Carolina region, the family lost between 6,000 and 7,000 Fraser fir trees—many of which had not yet reached market size. Sam Cartner, one of the family members who spoke prior to the ceremonial delivery, admitted the stress of the day had him concerned yet hopeful. “When I woke up, I thought, ‘Man, I’ll be glad if we get all this done and there are no hitches,’” he noted. “I’m just hoping everything works out.”
The Fraser fir itself holds special importance. Not only are they known for their beauty and classic Christmas scent, but according to the Cartners, they are the top choice for Christmas trees across the country. These trees grow slowly, taking about 13 years to reach maturity. Sam Cartner explained the unique characteristics of the Fraser fir, noting their dark green needles, fragrant scent, and excellent needle retention, making them remarkably popular choices during the holiday season.
Interestingly, North Carolina accounts for nearly 25% of all Christmas trees sold across the United States, with the Fraser fir being the frontrunner. It has become more than just crop for local farms; it's integral to the livelihood of many families and has transformed the local economy. Christmas tree farming has outperformed traditional crops like tobacco, corn, and beans, providing farmers financial relief and fostering community growth.
October brought unexpected grief to the Cartner family as they began to recover from the aftermath of the storm. The selection process for the White House tree began just weeks later. Sam Cartner recalled the emotional moment when White House Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney visited their farm. “This may be more than perfect,” said Haney, upon finding the towering fir amid the destruction. “It may be Tree-mendous.” This phrase soon became synonymous with the spirit of recovery and hope within the community.
During the ceremony, Jill Biden took the opportunity to honor the hard work and perseverance of the North Carolina Christmas tree farmers. She highlighted how communities come together during tough times, stating, “This tree recognizes your tremendous strength and service.” Volunteers from across the country were set to adorn the tree, transforming it soon with decorations and the familiar cheer of the Christmas season.
For the Cartner family, the arrival of 'Tree-mendous' at the White House was not only a moment of personal achievement but also one of communal pride. They have participated several times in the National Christmas Tree Association competition, but the challenges of this year made the honor all the more meaningful. “The competition is so hard, but we’re proud to represent Fraser fir growers with our tree,” Sam said with evident pride.
Now, as the holiday season begins, the Cartner family reflects on the momentous occasion with gratitude. They reminisce about the community struggles and the hope this tree brings as they look onward to rebuilding efforts post-storm, determined to return their tree farm to its previous glory. “Avery County will rise again,” declared local official Jennifer Greene during the celebration, encapsulating the resilient spirit not just of the farmers but the entire community.
Overall, the arrival of the 'Tree-mendous' Christmas tree at the White House wonderfully exemplifies the rich traditions of the holiday season, serving as a reminder of the resilience and strength found within communities, making the holidays all the more special.
