We are SO back, and it finally feels like Christmas in America again. It’s amazing what happens when the culture stops apologizing for itself and remembers that this season actually means something. President Trump made it normal again to say Merry Christmas without acting like you’re committing a federal offense. Melania Trump restored actual beauty to White House Christmas décor after years of what looked like an avant garde art project gone wrong. And now Pete Hegseth is doing his part by bringing a real Christmas tradition to the Pentagon, something that should have happened a long time ago.
During the ceremony, Hegseth explained exactly what inspired the whole thing. “We are gathered to celebrate the blessing of the Christmas season here at the Pentagon and, a couple of months ago, my wife said, ‘Babe, President Trump brought Merry Christmas back. We’re going to bring Christmas back to the Pentagon.’ And that’s what we’re doing.” That line alone probably caused half the Beltway bureaucracy to clutch their pearls.
The new tree is not some temporary decoration hauled in for a photo op. It is a 14 foot Nelly Stevens holly from Chantilly, Virginia, and it is here to stay. Hegseth said, “We are going to light a new, permanent Christmas tree and this one is a beauty.” He added a perfectly fitting detail. “They say when the tree was planted, there were bald eagles flying overhead, true story. Fitting for this building.” Honestly, you couldn’t script something more American.
The tree will grow to about 30 feet and could live another half century. It replaces a serviceberry tree that was already slated for removal, so the Pentagon finally gets a symbol that reflects the people who work inside it, men and women who do not need lectures from Washington elites about whether it is acceptable to celebrate Christmas.
And of course, nothing about the season feels complete without Melania Trump showing everyone what real class looks like. Her Christmas displays were elegant, warm, and unapologetically traditional. When she said, “Home Is Where The Heart Is,” it hit exactly the right tone. Compare that to the bizarre installations that showed up during Jill Biden’s tenure. One year looked like a prop room from a dystopian film. Another looked like someone let an intern run wild with a glue gun.
Seeing Melania welcome the White House Christmas tree with that calm grace reminded people what the holiday used to feel like before politics tried to hollow it out. The return of beauty, tradition, and confidence is not a small thing. It signals that the country is ready to celebrate again without fear or apology. And yes, it feels good to say Merry Christmas like we mean it.
Leave a Comment