The National Christmas Tree, a 40-foot blue spruce, is illuminated on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002. President Bush threw the switch the light the tree during the 79th annual Pageant of Peace.
President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and Samara Banks, 7, of Washington, wait as Benjamin Schneiller, 7, left, of Washington, pushes the button which lights the National Christmas tree.
President Bush gives country singer Lee Ann Womack a hug as actress Barbara Eden, right, looks on during ceremonies for the 2002 Christmas Pageant of Peace.
Christmas decorations go up around the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002, as workers put up a large wreath and evergreen bunting on the Eisenhower Executive Building at the White House complex.
The official White House Christmas tree arrives at the White House, Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, in a horse-drawn wagon. The 18-foot fir is from Washington state and was grown by Ed and Cindy Hedlund of Elma, Wash.
Here is this year's White House Christmas card, designed by artist Zhen-Huan Lu. It shows a scene of a 1938 Steinway piano in the Grand Foyer of the White House.
Replicas of President Bush's dogs Barney, left, and Spot, right, adorn the edge of the gingerbread house. On Thursday, Dec. 5, first lady Laura Bush gave a tour of the White House decorations. The theme this year at the White House was presidential pets.
Also part of the White House holiday display are depictions of President Theodore Roosevelt's horse Algonquin, left, and macaw, named Eli, right. They sit on the mantle in the East Room of the White House.
First lady Laura Bush shows off the White House gingerbread house in the State Dining Room, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, as she gives a tour of the White House decorations.
President Bush and Laura Bush stand in front of White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, prior to hosting a reception for the Kennedy Center Honorees. Mrs. Bush is wearing a floor-length gown designed by Arnold Scaasi.