The Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament Press Album

This photograph shows First Lady Betty Ford and daughter Susan making Christmas decorations in the Solarium.

This oil on canvas portrait of President Gerald Ford was painted by Everett Raymond Kinstler. Prior to being sworn in as president, Ford had active military service with the U.S. Navy during Word War II, and was later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ford was house minority leader when he was appointed vice president after Spiro Agnew resigned. Ford was then sworn in as president after President Nixon resigned in 1974 and served until January 20, 1977. This portrait was officially unveiled at the White House on May 24, 1978.

This photograph shows a young Gerald R. Ford as a college student at the University of Michigan, dressed for football practice. Ford was a dedicated and talented athlete. During his first year at the University of Michigan, Ford was awarded the Meyer Morton Most Promising Freshman trophy, and was later voted most valuable player by his teammates during his senior year.

This photograph is of Gerald R. Ford being sworn in as the 38th president of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in the White House East Room on August 9, 1974. Ford had been confirmed as vice president in 1973 following Vice President Spiro T. Agnew's resignation. Ford would ascend to the presidency after President Richard M. Nixon resigned from office in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

This black and white photograph by David Hume Kennerly shows President Gerald R. Ford swimming in the new White House swimming pool for reporters on July 5, 1975. The swimming pool is located on the South Grounds of the White House and is different from the one built in 1933 during the Franklin Roosevelt administration, which was indoors and covered over in 1970 to become the Press Room. President Ford's first swim in the pool came just a few days earlier, on July 1.

This photograph by Ricardo Thomas shows President Gerald R. Ford dancing with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom during a State Dinner held in her honor.

This photograph shows Susan Ford dancing at her high school prom, which was held in the East Room. She is dancing with a member of the OuterSpace Band, a five-member group consisting of former students from Trinity College in Harford, Connecticut. The travelling band performed music from a variety of popular styles for dances at colleges and clubs.

This color photograph shows President Gerald R. Ford, First Lady Betty Ford and daughter Susan posing with their dog Liberty and Liberty's puppies. One of these puppies was later donated to a guide dog program to be trained as a service animal for the blind in order to publicize that cause.

This black and white photograph by White House photographer David Hume Kennerly shows First Lady Betty Ford striking a pose on the Cabinet Room table her last day in the White House.

This photograph of First Lady Betty Ford working at her desk in the East Wing of the White House was taken by David Hume Kennerly on June 28, 1975. Her desk featured a special "Don't Tread On Me" E.R.A. flag. On September 4, 1974, during her first press conference as first lady, she expressed support for the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.), which, if passed, would have guaranteed legal equality for American citizens, regardless of sex. She continued to support the passage of the amendment throughout her time in the White House, calling senators, traveling across the country to lobby for ratification, and participating in women’s conferences and meetings. With his wife’s encouragement, in 1975, President Gerald R. Ford created the National Commission on the Observance of International Women’s Year by executive order.

This photograph of First Lady Betty Ford speaking with press outside of the Guttman Institute for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in New York was taken by Karl Schumacher on November 7, 1975. Behind her is a bus with the graphic, "Early Detection Saves Lives... It May Save Yours..." in English and Spanish. Shortly after moving into the White House, Mrs. Ford discovered a lump in her breast and underwent a radical mastectomy at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Her subsequent decision to address her illness during a White House press conference helped reduce the stigma against discussing breast cancer and treatment.

This photograph of the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 16, 1975. In 1975, First Lady Betty Ford selected the theme "An Old-Fashioned Christmas in America," also referred to as "A Williamsburg Children's Christmas" as the theme for the Christmas tree. Colonial Williamsburg staff and volunteers contributed a majority of the nearly 3,000 ornaments that decorated the Douglas fir, using materials such as dried flowers and fruit, acorns, pinecones, straw, and yarn. The Museum of American Folk Art lent the White House ten antique portraits of children to place on the walls of the Blue Room, as well as an assortment of old toys, dolls, cradles, a train, rocking horse, and a wagon to place around the base of the tree.

In this photograph, taken by White House Photographer David Hume Kennerly on December 27, 1974, President Gerald Ford enjoys a ski holiday on the slopes of Vail Mountain, while a Secret Service agent keeps watch in the background. For his 1974 Christmas vacation ski trip to Vail, Colorado, President Ford was accompanied by a half-dozen Secret Service agents who were selected for their skiing abilities.

This photograph is of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford posing in front of the Blue Room Christmas Tree for a portrait. Karl Schumacher took this photograph on December 17, 1974, during the Christmas party for members of Congress. Mrs. Ford selected handmade crafts as the theme for the holiday decor. The theme promoted Americana and provided inspiration for thrifty decorations, as many households limited their holiday budgets due to a poor economy.

This photograph of the front of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the back of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and, "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament in its retail packaging was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament in its retail packaging was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament in its retail packaging was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the front of the box of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the back of the box of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.

This photograph of the front of the White House Historical Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament was taken by David Wiegold. The 2023 ornament commemorates the presidency of Gerald R. Ford, who held office from August 9, 1974 to January 20, 1977. The 2023 ornament is a festive wreath inspired by the handcrafted Christmas decorations President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford used during their time at the White House. The front of the wreath is decorated with ornaments including dolls, stars, candles, and pentagon bulbs. A red ribbon woven through the wreath reads, "Christmas 2023" at the top and "The White House" at the bottom. The back of the wreath features five blue ornaments symbolic of President Ford's life and presidency: "Troop 15" to represent Ford's achievement of Eagle Scout and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life; a football inscribed with the number "48" to represent Ford's noted athleticism and his time as a football player while attending the University of Michigan; a likeness of his golden retriever, Liberty, who lived with him at the White House; a pin celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976 to note the contributions of President and Mrs. Ford in the ceremonies and celebrations for the 200th anniversary of America's independence; and the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the aircraft carrier commissioned to honor President Ford, which is the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Affixed to the bottom is a gold plaque of the North Portico of the White House.