The Trump family is celebrating Christmas at their iconic Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, blending holiday tradition with a touch of presidential flair.
In an exclusive interview, Lara Trump, daughter-in-law to former President Donald Trump and Fox News host, shared details about the family’s holiday rituals, from gifts to meals and special surprises.
The Gift Dilemma for the Former President
Buying presents for a man like Donald Trump is no small task, Lara Trump admits.
Over the years, the solution has leaned toward sentimental keepsakes rather than extravagant items.
“Framed photos work best,” she explained.
“Behind him in the Oval Office, every picture on his desk was given by us or other family members.
Last year, we gave him a framed photo of his mother, and it’s always right there behind him.”
The gesture seems to strike the right note, combining personal memory with tradition — and avoiding the headache of picking the “perfect” gift for the former president.
Grandpa’s Candy Bowl Steals the Show
While gifts are exchanged, the younger Trump children have their eyes on a different prize: the legendary candy stash.
Lara shared that Trump keeps a stockpile of full-size candy bars, especially Starbursts, in his office and across his fleet of transportation, from Air Force One to his personal plane.
“Sometimes it’s full-size candy bars, always Starbursts,” she said.
“The kids love it more than any ornament or decoration.”
A Simple Christmas Routine Amidst Glamour
Despite the grandeur of Mar-a-Lago, the Trump family keeps some holiday traditions simple.
Christmas Eve usually starts with a church service at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, just minutes from the estate, followed by a family dinner.
On Christmas morning, excitement erupts as the children receive gifts — some from Santa himself — before converging at Grandpa Donald’s house to continue the celebration.
“Christmas morning is a little challenging,” Lara admitted, noting the chaos of coordinating presents across multiple households before gathering as a family.
Family Togetherness Is the Heart of the Holiday
The Trumps view Christmas as one of the rare occasions when the extended family spends uninterrupted time together.
Phone calls to distant relatives and political contacts are interspersed between celebrations, but the emphasis remains on family connection.
“First and foremost, he calls family members who can’t be with us,” Lara said.
“Then, there’s a list of others he wants to connect with politically.”
From Intimate Living Rooms to Grand Ballrooms
Over the years, Mar-a-Lago’s holiday celebrations have grown more elaborate.
Originally, gatherings were in the living room, small and intimate.
Now, the family sometimes hosts events in the grand ballroom, capable of accommodating hundreds of guests.
“This year, we’re returning to the living room for Christmas,” Lara said, highlighting the desire to reclaim a more personal atmosphere after the expansion of previous celebrations.
Last year, even Elon Musk and his mother joined for dinner, exemplifying the high-profile nature of the family’s gatherings.
Holiday Traditions That Endure
Children still delight in candlelight services and Christmas hymns, which Lara says they know by heart.
Dessert is another highlight — Lara, a trained chef, makes a chocolate peppermint trifle every year, which disappears quickly amid the family feast.
The evening concludes with a longstanding family ritual dating back to Fred Trump, the president’s father: after dinner, Donald Trump slams his hands on the table and declares, “Well, that was Christmas.”
A Blend of Ordinary and Extraordinary
From church services to candy bowls, framed photos, and family chaos, the Trumps manage to mix tradition with celebrity, making Christmas at Mar-a-Lago both relatable and distinctly Trumpian.
For the family, it remains a time to connect, celebrate, and carry forward rituals that span generations.
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