White House Decorated for Holidays

(CBS / Mark Knoller)

The White House has announced its 2009 holiday theme: "Reflect, rejoice, and renew."

The earth-friendly theme means the use of recycled ornaments, natural materials and energy-saving lighting for their 18.5-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree. The tree, which stands in the Blue Room, was purchased from a farm in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the Washington Post reports.

Among the decorations are a gingerbread model of the White House (pictured below) - which includes Bo, the family dog, standing guard out front - and First Lady Michelle Obama's vegetable garden. The tree is festooned with golden ribbons, red bulbs and smaller white lights. Some of the ornaments were used by Mr. Obama's predecessors.

Click here to see more photos of this year's White House holiday decorations.

(CBS / Mark Knoller)

The tree is part of a much larger celebration which will kick off at 5 p.m. tomorrow with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the ellipse, south of the White House. Performers at the event include Sheryl Crow, Common, and Jordin Sparks.

Obama supporter Oprah Winfrey will also be present, and will conduct an interview with the president for her upcoming "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special."

(CBS / Mark Knoller)

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend 28 holiday parties and open houses at the White House, according to the Associated Press.

Mrs. Obama offered thanks Wednesday to some of the volunteers who helped decorate the White House, reports CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller.

She also announced the White House will take part this year in the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program and the Feed A Neighbor Program.

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