Melania Trump has unveiled the 2018 White House Christmas decorations. And the fact she refers to them as 'Christmas' decorations is perhaps the most telling thing about them. We've become used to our friends across the pond using the secular term 'holidays' at this time of year, recognising the diverse nature of American society and its different religions, so is the current First Lady making a statement by reclaiming the Christian aspect of the festivities? If so, this bold approach will no doubt appeal to her husband's core supporters and maybe that's the point. It traditionally falls to the First Lady of the United States to organise the seasonal decorations in the White House after First Lady Lou Henry Hoover put up the first official tree in 1929. Each year a different theme is chosen. In 2017 Melania designed the decorations around 'Time Honoured Traditions', while this year sees 'American Treasures' take centre stage. 14,000 red ornaments hanging on 29 trees in the Grand Foyer Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP The People’s House @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season! pic.twitter.com/oejKW3mC15— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 26, 2018 With 40 topiary 'trees'' made from cranberries and red berries strung together in the East Colonnade, 14,000 red ornaments hanging on 29 trees in the Grand Foyer and the official White House Christmas tree adorned with embroidered blue velvet ribbon, it is once again a contrasting mix of tradition, personal statements, opulence and directional design. “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 red topiary trees in the East Colonnade are proving to be divisive Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP The Red Room is dedicated to 'America's Children' Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP And it's not just the use of the word 'Christmas' which sets her decorations apart. FLOTUS has added many personal touches among the more classic festive fare. In the red room in particular, she has combined nods to her family as well as to her specific charitable interests. As a celebration of 'America's Children', it features a tree reflecting the hobbies of young people; visitors to the White House will note ornaments in the shape of film clapper boards, skateboards and karate uniforms, as well as a special tribute to son Barron's love of football with a bauble in the form of a soccer ball. The Red Room tree features baubles that depict childhood hobbies Credit: LEAH MILLIS/LEAH MILLIS A wreath made from pencils stamped with the Be Best logo Credit: LEAH MILLIS/REUTERS The Be Best logo can be found in a decorative garland Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/ AFP This room also sees the First Lady's youth-oriented Be Best initiative that honoured with quirky wreaths made of branded pencils, as well as garlands which include the slogan on white baubles. Other rooms stick to more classic White House themes with each gold star ornament in the East Room a tribute to America's Gold Star military families. The official White House Christmas tree can be found in pride of place in the Blue Room. As is tradition, the tree was received before Thanksgiving outside the North Portico by the First Lady and son Barron and all 18 feet six inches of it has been decorated in blue and gold to match its temporary home. Every American state and territory is represented with an ornament hung with a blue bow. The official White House Christmas tree Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP Each American state is honoured on the official White House tree Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP But it's the State Dining Room where one of the sweetest decorations can be found. The annual gingerbread house has been expanded to include the National Mall, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument, as well as the southern exterior of the White House itself. Made from 100lbs of gingerbread and 20lbs of royal icing, it was no mean feat for the White House pastry team. The gingerbread house is made from 100lbs of gingerbread and 20lbs of royal icing Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP It's safe to say FLOTUS has gone all out with the sumptuous array of lights, garlands and foliage on display, as well as taking the opportunity to say something about her family life and even making her own political statements. But her festive vision is already being mocked for the second year in a row. Last year's white branches were mocked for being a little severe Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP Bold choice going with decorations inspired by the Handmaid's Tale. pic.twitter.com/Ze2kZX65lp— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) November 26, 2018 2017's white branches in the East Colonnade were criticised for the air of severity they inspired and their slightly menacing 2018 replacements aren't faring any better, already becoming memes thanks to their resemblance to the red costumes seen in The Handmaid's Tale. We can only wait with bated breath for what 2019 will bring. 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