Jill Biden welcomes White House Christmas tree

Jill Biden is kicking off her first holiday season at the White House, welcoming the official Christmas tree to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

“It’s beautiful,” Biden exclaimed, as she took a look at the Fraser fir rolled in Monday by horse carriage to the North Portico. “Magnificent, actually,” the first lady added, before breaking off a sprig and handing it to her young grandson, Beau Biden, who was looking on in the arms of his father, Hunter Biden.

This year’s tree — which will be on display in the Blue Room of the White House — stands 18 1/2 feet and is from Jefferson, N.C. A chandelier in the room has to be removed in the space each year in order to accommodate the Christmastime display.

In her inaugural holiday at the White House as first lady, Biden welcomed the tree alongside a D.C. Army National Guard family as a way of honoring the “role of the National Guard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the White House.

Asked if she had a message for service members celebrating the holidays, Biden replied, “Be safe. Have a happy, healthy holiday.”

Biden is expected to reveal the theme for the White House’s annual holiday decor next week.