“What a joy!” Local couple helps decorate White House for Christmas

Amid the hundreds of feet of garland, the thousands of twinkling lights, whimsical decorations, and a gigantic fir tree, a local couple recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Washington D.C. and help decorate the White House.

“My husband Ned and I were honored to decorate the White House for Christmas,” said Karen Tri, who along with her husband Ned flew to the capitol in November and reported to work during Thanksgiving week, Monday, November 24th until Sunday, November 30.

The theme, "Home Is Where the Heart Is," featured patriotic décor, 10,000 blue butterflies for hope, a gingerbread White House, and a Blue Room tree for Gold Star families, celebrating American heritage as volunteers bringing it to life.

Tri reports that there were 12,000 applications, with 150 volunteers selected. ”Every August, the White House accepts applications which you list your professional background and decorating experience.” She explains that she had previous experiences decorating for the MTA for the Children's Christmas Parties and other and miscellaneous events.

“Ned and I were blessed to represent our great state of Alaska.” There was another Alaskan from Anchorage who volunteered for the last three days.

Tri said volunteers had the option of volunteering for the whole week or three days since it was during Thanksgiving week, and that her and her husband chose to stay for the whole week, with the added bonus getting to eat at the White House. “(The) White House fed us breakfast and lunch each day. One evening, we worked late, and pizza was ordered for us for dinner, which was awesome to have three meals served at the White House.” They also enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal at the White House.

Tri says that she and her husband were selected to decorate the Blue Room Christmas Tree, which was known as The Gold Star Tree that represents the Gold Star Families. “The Gold Star Tree honors those who laid down their lives for our freedom. We had three Gold Star recipients that was a part of our decorating team for the Blue Room. These recipients were two Gold Star Moms, and one Gold Star Son represented their loss loved ones and we heard their stories of unimaginable loss and immeasurable love.”

Tri said that her husband Ned is also retired military, making the experience decorating the Gold Star Tree even more meaningful so to him. She further explained that the Gold Star Tree, an 18-foot fir from Sidney, Michigan, was adorned with blue and gold stars, 3-D white ornaments representing the official bird and flower of every U.S. state and territory. “A fitting tribute to the resilience, bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel and their families. Ned and I placed the Alaska ornament which was so special.”

Volunteers also helped decorate the Red Room, which was dedicated to the foster care community. The tree was decked out with blue butterflies, calling to mind a spirit of hope, transformation and renewal. White ribbons wrap around the tree to convey the room's official message of “Fostering the Future.”

For Tri, she was further moved by seeing First Lady Melania Trump at the White House Christmas Party, where she thanked the volunteers. “Melania's speech was touching, heartfelt, and full of gratitude as she thanked all the volunteers for coming.”

Tri summed up her experience, saying it was something she and her husband will never forget, filled with new experiences and new friends. “This was a truly unforgettable experience and something I have always wanted to do on my bucket list. We met new friends that we felt like we have known for years. Everyone was so excited and full of cheer to decorate The People's House!”

People here in Alaska can watch the entire process for themselves as HGTV was busy filming all week as the volunteers decorated the White House. The show aired in mid-December, showcasing the First Lady. It can be streamed on HGTV's website and stream it on HBO Max and discovery+.