White County resident Ashley Thompson is back home after taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience — helping decorate the White House for Christmas. Thompson was one of just 145 people selected nationwide from more than 12,000 applicants to participate in the prestigious holiday decorating effort.
Thompson recently shared her experience with members of the Carmi Kiwanis Club, describing both the challenges and the unforgettable moments of her time in Washington, D.C.
Already feeling under the weather during the trip, Thompson recounted a frightening moment when she began choking during lunch and was unable to breathe. She credits a fellow volunteer — a firefighter trained in the Heimlich maneuver — with saving her life. Aside from that scare, Thompson said the experience was incredible from start to finish. Of the 145 decorators chosen, Thompson was part of a group of 90 volunteers assigned to work during the latter half of the decorating schedule. She was placed on “Team Glow,” a 20-member team responsible for decorating the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall — some of the most visible spaces in the White House.
Team Glow handled 29 of the 51 Christmas trees featured throughout the White House, with trees ranging from four to 14 feet tall. Thompson said all of the trees were real, adding to the complexity of the work. She was also one of only four volunteers entrusted with hand-making garland, a detail she said sets White House decorating apart. Every element is handcrafted, and strict attention is paid to visual perfection — including hiding all wiring — making the work both detailed and time-consuming.
This year’s White House Christmas theme, “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” featured deep burgundy and gold tones designed to complement the cream-colored walls of the Grand Foyer. Thompson said themed rooms included a family game night display, a tribute to Gold Star families, and a room highlighting the First Lady’s foster care initiative with thousands of blue butterflies.
The 2025 decorations also marked the first time artificial intelligence was used in the process, with 3D-printed ornaments created to honor each state.
Those interested in seeing the final result can watch a television special by searching White House Christmas 2025, available for streaming on discovery+, HBO Max, and HGTV GO. The decorations can also be viewed online through the White House’s official Christmas features.