Melania Trump appears to be dreaming of a red Christmas.
The first lady on Monday unveiled on her social media accounts how the White House will be decorated this holiday season. In a video revealing this year’s festive decorations, the first lady can be seen walking among decorations that include a tree decorated by Gold Star families, the official 2018 White House Christmas ornament and an ornament adorned with the slogan for her child-well being campaign, Be Best.
Also on display are the traditional gingerbread house; custom mantelpieces showcasing the skylines of New York City, St. Louis, Chicago and San Francisco; and the traditional White House tree, which soars at 18 feet tall.
“This is a joyous time of year when we decorate the White House for the Christmas season,” the first lady said in a statement. “Our theme honors the heart and spirit of the American people. Thank you to the many volunteers and staff who worked hard to decorate the halls of the People’s House in Christmas cheer. On behalf of my family, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
The People’s House @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season! pic.twitter.com/oejKW3mC15
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) November 26, 2018
This is the second year in a row the first lady attempted to bring seasonal cheer to the loneliest place on Earth. But, once again, her effort at seasonal cheer also led to an outcry of confusion, laughter and memes on memes on memes.
In the video showing off this year’s decorations, the first lady can also be seen walking among red topiary trees that line the East colonnade — a decoration that seems to have drawn the most attention online. The blood-colored trees reminded many Twitters users of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu’s dystopian drama about a fundamentalist regime that treats women as subjects of the state.
Open up twitter today to see that Melania has installed comrade red handmaid christmas trees in the Kremlin annex. Happy Monday! pic.twitter.com/VGjIz8Js2w
— Dani Shaw (@danishaw) November 26, 2018
Others were reminded of a different but equally horrifying pop-culture reference: Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
Some, however, appeared to feel badly for the first lady.
You’re alone. It’s weird. ‘The People’s House’ but it’s just you—isolated, surrounded by extravagance. You’re like Marie Antoinette. It’s a rather sad and pitiable promo piece w that singular token ‘be best’ ornament making it all the more so. Really feel so sorry for you.
— Jack Hutton 🇺🇸 @jackhutton@mstdn.social (@jackhutton) November 26, 2018
Meanwhile, others attempted to put a positive spin on the holiday decorations.
Not a fan of the red trees. But glad they recycled Donald's old ties.
— Vikr28 (@vickyld2281) November 26, 2018
While the first lady is perhaps best known for her commitment to stop bullying and her curious fashion choices, she is becoming well known for her unique Christmas decorations. Last year, she was slammed for lining the People’s House with white, lifeless trees, which allegedly evoked a forthcoming seasonal episode of “Black Mirror,” Netflix’s dark, sci-fi anthology series, according to social media users.
