Nevadans asked to decorate White House Christmas tree, here’s how you can join in!

By Nicôl Herris  

Nevada Newes and Views

Yes, really — your handmade ornament could hang in Washington, D.C.

It’s not every day Nevada gets the spotlight at the White House. But this Christmas, our great state will be front and center.

The 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is coming straight from Nevada’s own Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest — the largest national forest in the lower 48.

And here’s the fun part: Nevadans are invited to help decorate it!

The U.S. Forest Service has put out the call for 10,000 handmade ornaments.

These won’t just be used on the big tree that stands outside the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. They’ll also be used to decorate smaller trees inside federal buildings and offices across the country.

In other words, this is your chance to help show off Nevada pride on a national stage.

What They’re Looking For

These ornaments should reflect the spirit of Nevada — our landscapes, people, culture, and heritage.

From desert scenes and sagebrush to silver mining and slot machines, this is a time to get creative and show what makes the Silver State shine.

The only rule? Keep it natural.

The Forest Service is asking for homemade, biodegradable ornaments made from natural materials like wood, pinecones, paper, or twine. No plastic, glitter, or paint that could harm the environment.

So pull out those craft supplies and get the kids, grandkids, or classroom involved. This is a great project for families, schools, youth groups, and community clubs.

According to the official flyer, decorations should be:

—Durable (able to handle wind and weather)

—Biodegradable (made from natural, compostable materials)

—Lightweight (under one pound)

—Big enough to be seen (at least 12 inches in size)

They’re due by September 15, 2025, so there’s still plenty of time to get crafty.

A Proud Moment for the Silver State

Each year, a different national forest is selected to provide “The People’s Tree” for the U.S. Capitol.

It’s a tradition that started in 1964, and this is the very first time Nevada has been chosen to supply the tree.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the beauty and diversity of Nevada with the entire country.

And what better way to represent our state than with thousands of handmade decorations created by the people who live here?

How to Participate

You can drop off ornaments at participating Forest Service offices or mail them in.

For full guidelines, instructions, and updates, visit the official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree site or the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest’s webpage.

Here’s the link to the official flyer with all the details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r04/humboldt-toiyabe/image/Ornament%20Flyer%20CCT%202025.png

In a time when headlines often divide us, here’s something we can all feel good about — celebrating Christmas, celebrating tradition, and celebrating our home state.

So grab some twine, pick up a pinecone, and get to work. You never know — your creation might just end up in Washington, D.C., lighting up a tree that brings joy to millions.

Nevada, this is your Christmas moment. Let’s make it sparkle.

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Nicôl Herris is a longtime conservative leader in northern Nevada who has served as president of the Republican Women of Reno (RWR) and established a Speaker’s Bureau that brings notable conservative figures to the Reno area.