I still remember how excited I was to visit Mount Vernon, the iconic estate of Sir George Washington during the holiday season. Along with all the history that surrounded me were Christmas trees richly adorned with unique dainty ornaments. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the festive trees are themed and professionally designed to reflect facets relating to Mt. Vernon, George Washington, and the 18th century. The festive trees grace Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center.

This ‘Tree of Presidents’, as I would like to call it, has a display featuring all the presidents of the nation till date. Also seen are Washington “States China” plate ornaments created for Martha Washington, designed with her initials set upon a starburst in the center of the plate with a chain enclosing the names of 15 states around the rim.

Decorated in subdued tones and imparting a feminine feel, this tree is themed around Mrs. Washington. The adornments revolve around her life as depicted by delicate fan ornaments, Martha Washington dolls and hand stitched samplers.

Surely, Martha would have loved this depiction of happy domesticity.

The Revolutionary War inspired tree is themed around George Washington as commander-in-chief. Complete with swords, George Washington dolls in soldier apparel, Flintlock pistol replicas and rolled up maps for battle, the tree is distinctly masculine, decorated in sparkling red and blue.

What would a tree themed around George Washington’s study room be decorated with? Books of course, and quill pens with inkstands that take us back to the way writing was done back in the eighteenth century.

Looking at this tree, one can visualize the first President’s study which was also a personal retreat where he prepared for the day’s activities and retired from his ever present guests.

Decked with postcards and pictures of Mount Vernon over the years, this tree is themed around the estate itself, detailing its history. Here we find ornaments of Ann Pamela Cunningham, founder of The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, and other members who continue to own and operate George Washington’s home and plantation.

George Washington, the entrepreneur, always focused on improving the nation’s economic output, is the theme of this tree. It is decorated with dolls, wooden ornaments of farm buildings, dried corn and muslin bags of corn meal. The grains have been stone-ground by water power at George Washington’s Gristmill.

The green, iridescent peacock plumes made an unexpected but splendid tree topper rendering an Asian touch to this Christmas tree.

The Christmas decorations is only a small part of the festivities at the estate at this time of the year. Unfortunately I was pressed for time to take part in the special programs for the holiday season. The festivities include a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas of 1787 in addition to the daily tour of the mansion.