For the first time in many years, model trains are in The White House this Christmas. In a press release from The White House, First Lady Jill Biden announces the 2023 holiday theme, “The Magic, Wonder, and Joy of the holidays.”
“In this season of reflection and goodwill, we hope you will embrace your inner child and delight in simply being present with those you love,” said the First Lady and the President.
The Blue Room showcases the official White House Christmas tree, this year an 18 1/2 foot tall Fraser Fir. Under the train runs an LGB train set. The set is on loan from the Train Collector’s Association.
More than 300 volunteers helped with the holiday decorations in The White House this year. Read more in the full press release: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/27/first-lady-jill-biden-announces-2023-white-house-holiday-themethe-magic-wonder-and-joy-of-the-holidays/
Nothing like a Christmas Tree train set and layout to bring out the joy and wonderment of the Christmas season and revive memories and happy times of years past and of Christmases past. We are all kids when it comes to seeing a Christmas tree setup with a village and a train chugging under the tree. No other toy can do this like a train be it a scale model trainset or a simple battery operated set and of course a train being pulled by a steam locomotive is the icing on the cake. It is an honor and a pleasure to see that a trainset has made it to the White House. May this display rekindle once again the magic of a train running under the tree and revive interest in both toy and model trains in this modern age that is dominated by technology and electronic gadgets and that a new and younger generation as well as future generations take a new look and get interested in this great hobby of model railroading and toy train collecting. Nothing like a train set and Christmas Tree display to do this.
Joseph C. MArkfelder