In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, Second Lady Usha Vance has unveiled a vintage Christmas theme for the vice president's residence this year, reminiscent of First Lady Melania Trump's past festive decor.
Alongside her husband, Vice President JD Vance, and their three children, Ewan, 8, Vivek, 5, and Mirabel, 3, Mrs. Vance has also shared some of the family's cherished holiday traditions.
As reported by RedState, the vice president's residence, situated within the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., was opened to the public this week. The second lady offered a tour of the first floor, allowing Americans a glimpse into the festive decorations adorning the historic home.
Mrs. Vance shared details of the unique touches that make up their holiday decor with USA Today, describing it as a little bit of a vintage Christmas. The residence's holiday decor reflects a blend of family history and nostalgia, celebrating 50 years of Christmas spirit with a "Golden Noel" theme. The family's festive activities, underscored by the importance of giving and service, are also woven into the holiday traditions.
In her conversation with USA Today, Mrs. Vance revealed the story behind the really skinny Charlie Brown-type tree that was initially chosen by their son Vivek. She also spoke about the compromise they reached regarding the tree they eventually cut down as a family in Lexington, Kentucky. The report highlighted the presence of three grander trees from Evergreen Acres, Pennsylvania, which grace the sunroom, dining room, and living room. These trees welcome guests on the ground floor, while Vivek's tree has been reserved for the family quarters.
The Vances' first Christmas at the vice presidential residence is marked by a balance of give and take in the decorations, much like any American family. The Naval Observatory residence is adorned with garlands, ornaments, and bows, despite the family not being "intense tinsel and frosted trees people," as Usha Vance put it.
The family's holiday celebrations extend beyond the residence's interiors. A large white tent outside the house, where the family is entertaining this season, features framed photos of some of the houses former residents. These images, part of this years Golden Noel theme, pay tribute to 50 years of Christmases at the vice presidential residence. Some of the photos are from scrapbooks left behind by former vice presidents, while others are from the Library of Congress.
Mrs. Vance also shared the family's travel traditions, which typically involve spending Christmas in Southern California with her side of the family, after celebrating Thanksgiving in Ohio with JD's family. Despite being raised Hindu, the second lady mentioned that her father always emphasized the importance of recognizing the religious meaning of Christmas.
"We'd read from the Bible and think about the Christmas story, or we would do things that emphasize the spirit of giving and service to other people, like volunteer, Vance said. It wasn't like a purely secular experience of Christmas, but it also wasn't our religious tradition.
Having converted to Catholicism in 2019, Mrs. Vance stated that the decision to convert would be left to their children, a choice that their eldest, Ewan, made in 2024.
The question of Christmas presents and belief in Santa Claus is another aspect of the holiday season that the Vances navigate as a family. Ewan decided in 2024 that he no longer believed in St. Nick, and his younger brother Vivek followed suit. However, their youngest, Mirabel, still holds onto the belief in the jolly old elf, as the second lady confirmed, "She's still in on it."
As the Vances prepare to celebrate their first Christmas at the vice presidential residence, their holiday traditions and decorations offer a glimpse into the family's unique blend of heritage, faith, and festive spirit. Here's to a Merry Christmas for the Vances, and for all Americans.
Login