For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
November 30, 2008
Mrs. Bush's Remarks During the Presentation of the White House Christmas Tree
North Lawn
1:54 A.M. EST
MRS. BUSH: Well, here we are once again. This is the eighth time we've waited for the very first event of the holiday season, and that's when the big tree is brought. This is the Fraser fir for the Blue Room. It'll be the great big tree that this year will be decorated with ornaments from all around the United States, decorated by artists from all around the United States.
But this tree is from North Carolina. And I want to recognize the Christmas Tree growers from River Ridge Farms, Crumpler, North Carolina -- Jessie Davis and Russell Estes. They are both growers and they were picked by the National Christmas Tree Growing Association -- Growers Association, and they're represented here, as well, with Mark Steelhammer from the Christmas Tree Growers Association, the National Association.
So this is the first event of the holiday season, and as you all know there are many more to follow later this week. We'll announce what the theme is when I give you a tour of this year's decorations. I will have to say -- just a sneak preview -- that this is the perfect theme for this year. So I think you'll like it when we get to see it later this week.
So happy holidays. Thanks, everybody.

Sue Harman drives a horse-drawn carriage delivering the official White House Christmas tree Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008,
to the North Portico of the White House. The Fraser Fir tree, from River Ridge Farms in Crumpler, N.C., will be on
display in the Blue Room of the White House for the 2008 Christmas season. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

Sue Harman drives a horse-drawn carriage delivering the official White House Christmas tree Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008,
to the North Portico of the White House. The Fraser Fir tree, from River Ridge Farms in Crumpler, N.C., will be on
display in the Blue Room of the White House for the 2008 Christmas season. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

Mrs. Laura Bush delivers remarks as she stands with the White House Christmas tree Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in
front of the North Portico of the White House. The Fraser Fir tree, from River Ridge Farms in Crumpler, N.C.,
will be on display in the Blue Room of the White House for the 2008 Christmas season. White House photo
by Joyce N. Boghosian