19 1/2 Foot Douglas Fir for Blue Room, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC (First Lady receives it today)

from OBAMA Food-o-rama (blog here at Google Blogger)
This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama will continue one of the most charming White House holiday traditions, when she receives the Official White House Christmas Tree in a brief ceremony under the North Portico. The grand, 19 ½ foot Douglas Fir will arrive on the traditional green and red carriage, which is driven by a costumed coachman, and drawn by a jingle-bell bridled horse as Christmas tunes are played.

The tree will be on display in the Blue Room throughout the holiday season. It was grown on the Crystal Spring Tree Farm, owned by the Botek family in Leighton, Pennsylvania. This is the second time the White House Christmas Tree has come from the farm; the first time was in 2006. White House officials visited Crystal Spring late in September to select the Blue Room tree and other trees, after a different Botek family tree became grand national champion at this year's Christmas Tree Growers Convention held in Winston-Salem, NC. Crystal Spring is only the fifth farm in the nation to ever repeat the honor of providing the Official White House Christmas tree. Last year's farmers, Eric and Gloria Sundback, provided the White House with a record-breaking four different trees.  Crystal Spring was founded in 1964 by husband and wife team Francis and Margaret Botek on a one-time dairy farm, and also included a grocery store. It now has 200 growing acres, and propagates about 15 varieties of evergreen trees..

Dec. 1: Holiday decoration theme and Toys for Tots drive
The First Lady will formally unveil the White House holiday theme and decorations on Wednesday, December 1st. Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses will present the 2010 White House Gingerbread House, and Mrs. Obama will welcome the military families who organize the Anacostia Branch of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive in the East Room. After Mrs. Obama makes remarks, the military families will visit several creative stations where they will learn how to make holiday ornaments, cards and treats.