A Tradition Rooted in Every State

In 1954, President Eisenhower expanded the National Christmas Tree tradition by adding trees representing every state and territory, a tradition that continues today through the America Celebrates program. Each year, American students from across the country design one-of-a-kind ornaments depicting what makes their home special, a tradition so cherished that even in 1942, during wartime restrictions, Washington, D.C. students donated ornaments to help keep the tradition alive. Today, 59 trees line the Pathway of Peace beside the National Christmas Tree, a living reminder that this celebration belongs to the whole country.