One of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season is the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley California. The library staff decorates the property so well. The highlight is always the collection of Christmas trees that are so creative and beautiful. The 2025 display includes 26 trees decorated to represent each decade in our country’s history.
I have included a photo of each tree. My personal favorites include the trees from the 1770, 1870, 1920, 1930, 1950 and 1970.
The 1770 tree includes the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Lantern, George Washington and the fife and drummers.
The 1870 tree is especially fun because so much happened in this decade – including the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park. American football and tennis were developed and the typewriter was created. In addition, Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.
The tree representing the Roaring Twenties includes film star Rudolph Valentino who starred in The Sheik in 1921 and died in 1926 at the young ages age of 31. The 18th Amendment banning alcohol became effective in 1920 so this tree dramatically features speakeasy signage. Also, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified in 1920 so the tree is adorned with Votes for Women buttons.
The 1930s tree includes baskets of apples, the Great Depression, the Hindenburg blimp and Shirley Temple.
The 1950s tree includes a beautiful lit-up Wurlitzer jukebox as well as Elvis memorabilia, a tribute to the Korean War and a photo of President Eisenhower.
The 1970s is especially important to me because it was the decade of my childhood. So much happened in this decade and the tree reflects it with: the bar code creation, the start-up Apple Computer Company logo and the movies Jaws, Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Watergate, President Jimmy Carter, the Bicentennial and the short-lived eight track are all included on this tree.
The trees are on display until January 4 so you still have time to schedule a visit to the library.
NO time for boredom today 