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Melania Trump receives 2020 White House Christmas tree

Melania Trump is welcoming the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree.

The first lady stepped out on the North Portico of the White House Monday to accept the tree, a 18.5-foot-high Fraser Fir from Dan and Bryan Trees in West Virginia.

For the holiday kick-off event, Trump wore a black-and-white houndstooth coat, black gloves and matching black boots.

In festive style, the tree was delivered in a green horse-drawn carriage, decorated with wreathes and a sign in red font that read "White House Christmas Tree 2020" while Christmas music played.

First lady Melania Trump waves as she stands next to the 2020 Official White House Christmas tree on Nov. 23, 2020.
First lady Melania Trump waves as she stands next to the 2020 Official White House Christmas tree on Nov. 23, 2020.

After approaching the carriage, Trump walked around the tree to inspect it before speaking to the carriage drivers. She then posed in front of the fir for photos before waving to photographers and walking back into the White House.

In a tweet Sunday in anticipation of the holiday event, Trump called this year's tree "lovely."

"Since 1966, the arrival of the White House Christmas Tree has become an iconic holiday tradition," she added, sharing photos of herself accepting the tree in previous years.

Trump stirred controversy earlier this year over comments she made about Christmas during a secretly recorded conversation by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who wrote the book "Melania and Me."

Cursed Christmas: Recording reveals Melania Trump's curse over White House decorating duties

The recordings included Trump expressing dismay at her role in decorating and promoting the White House during Christmas time, while she was being criticized for not doing more meaningful work.

"I'm working my (expletive) off with the Christmas stuff that, you know, who gives a (expletive) about Christmas stuff and decorations but I need to do it, right?" Trump is heard saying.

"And then I do it, and I say I'm working on Christmas and planning for Christmas," Trump continued. "And they say, 'What about the children that are separated?' Give me a (expletive) break."

Last year's tree came from Mahantongo Valley Farms in Pitman, Pennsylvania.

This tree marks the final tree of President Donald Trump's presidency as President-elect Joe Biden is set to take office in January.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Melania Trump receives White House Christmas tree from West Virginia