December 7, 2025
By Rachel Scofield
Pickerington resident April Groff recently returned from an extraordinary experience in Washington, D.C., after being selected—out of thousands of applicants nationwide—to serve as a 2025 White House Christmas volunteer. This was Groff’s first time applying.
At the end of November, Groff spent three days helping decorate the White House as part of a group of 147 volunteers representing 47 states and territories. The team members came from a wide range of backgrounds, including Gold Star families, teachers, designers, stay-at-home parents, and retirees. Groff emphasized that politics were not part of the experience.
“We really came together as a team,” she said. “Old, young, male, female—we were all focused on creating something special.”
Stepping into the White House for the first time was a powerful moment, she said.
“It was very surreal walking where so many influential people had walked before,” Groff said. “We were all teary-eyed and really bonded.”
A military spouse of 13 years, Groff has an extensive history of volunteer service, including work with Soldier and Family Readiness Groups within the 1st Infantry Division and at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where she was formally recognized as an outstanding volunteer by the hospital commander. Locally, she volunteers regularly at her children’s schools in Pickerington.
To preserve the surprise, volunteers were not allowed to have phones in the decorating spaces, keeping the designs confidential until the official reveal by First Lady Melania Trump on Dec. 1. Groff returned to D.C. that day to attend a holiday reception hosted by the First Lady, where photos were permitted.
The First Lady chose this year’s theme to be “Home is Where the Heart Is”.
“The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings,” Melania said. “This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves, and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.”
Designer, Hervé Pierre oversaw the implementation of the concept. Which, according to WhiteHouse.gov, included 75 of the First Lady’s signature wreaths with classic red bows adorning the White House windows, and more than 50 Christmas trees, 700 feet of garland, 25,000 feet of ribbon, and 10,000 butterflies to fill the halls.
Due to East Wing demolition and ballroom construction, this year’s Christmas tour route will be limited to the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall.
Visitors can view the White House Christmas decorations in December by requesting a tour in advance at WhiteHouse.gov. Availability is limited.
“I’m just happy to have been able to be a part of it,” Groff said. “It really will be magical for everyone to see.”
April’s photos:
