Ms. Iisha Goes to Washington!

We are so proud of our former intern, Iisha, who was chosen as a volunteer to help decorate the White House for the holidays!  What an amazing opportunity and challenge!  I don’t know about you, but decorating my 1930s cottage for the holidays sometimes seems overwhelming, so can you imagine what goes into decorating a 55,000 square foot national landmark!

Each year a theme is chosen for the White House’s holiday decor.  I wish I could transform my holiday decor from year to year!   This year’s theme is “A Children’s Winter Wonderland” which celebrates the Christmas spirit as viewed through the eyes of a child.  Iisha flew to Washington D.C. on Thanksgiving Day and spent the next five days in a whirwind of holiday decorating, surrounded by tinsel and ornaments galore!  The White House provides the volunteers with decor, tools, and inspiration photos to help them complete this enormous task.  Iisha worked individually and as part of a team to decorate two rooms and a hallway in the East Wing of the White House.

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 Iisha with one of the many White House Christmas Trees!

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A Winter Wonderland!

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Iisha and the Obama’s dogs- Bo and Sunny

This year’s theme also honored the Armed Forces and their families.  The East Wing featured a Christmas Tree decorated with gold ornaments which represented our nation’s fallen heroes.  Iisha also had the privilege of being chosen as one of a few volunteers to greet military families on a holiday tour of the White House.  This was particularly meaningful for Iisha because her dad served in the U.S. Army.

On the final night of her stay, Iisha attended a volunteer reception where the first lady made a speaking appearance!  To top it off, Iisha met Genevieve Gorder, who is hosting an HGTV special on the 2014 White House Christmas decor.  The special will replay on December 24 at 7am/6 c on HGTV, so set your DVR and tune in!

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Be sure to check out #WHHolidays for some behind the scenes experiences of White House visitors.

Congratulations Iisha on this honor and thank you for sharing your White House holiday experience with Material Girls!