The Official 2024 White House Christmas Ornament: 5 Things You Must Know About The Jimmy Carter Anchor Design

The Official 2024 White House Christmas Ornament has been officially released by the White House Historical Association (WHHA) and is already a highly sought-after collector's item this year. As of this current date in December 2025, the ornament is a centerpiece for collectors, marking the latest addition to a tradition that began in 1981. This year’s design is a profound tribute to the life and legacy of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, focusing specifically on a foundational aspect of his public service: his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.

The annual White House ornament is more than just a holiday decoration; it is a sequential historical marker, with each piece commemorating a specific presidential administration or a significant White House anniversary. The 2024 edition, honoring President Carter, breaks from the traditional circular or shield shape to adopt a striking form that symbolizes hope, strength, and unwavering duty—the anchor.

President Jimmy Carter: A Life of Service and Naval Distinction

The White House Historical Association’s decision to honor President Carter with the 2024 ornament is a celebration of a man whose dedication to public service began long before he entered the Oval Office. The ornament’s anchor shape is a direct homage to his years as a naval officer, a period that profoundly shaped his character and leadership style.

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• Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
• Date of Birth: October 1, 1924
• Place of Birth: Plains, Georgia
• Presidential Term: 39th President of the United States (1977–1981)
• Education: Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1946 with distinction.
• Military Service: United States Navy (1946–1953)
• Key Naval Roles: Served on the USS Wyoming (E-AG 17). He was a radar officer, CIC officer, and Training and Education Officer. He also attended the U.S. Navy Submarine School. He was assigned to the nuclear submarine program under Admiral Hyman G. Rickover.
• Post-Presidency: Founder of the Carter Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2002).
• Historical Note: He is one of only three U.S. Presidents to graduate from a military academy and the only one to have graduated from the Naval Academy.

Carter’s naval career was a period of intense intellectual rigor and commitment, particularly his work in the nascent nuclear submarine program. Although he left active duty in 1953 after the death of his father to manage the family's peanut farm, he remained in the Naval Reserve until 1961. This background in engineering, discipline, and complex systems management was a hallmark of his approach to the presidency.

The Exclusive Design and Craftsmanship of the 2024 Ornament

The 2024 White House Christmas Ornament is a masterpiece of historical artistry and refined craftsmanship. Unlike the flat, two-dimensional ornaments of some previous years, this piece is designed to be a substantial, detailed representation of a key moment in American history.

An Anchor of Hope and History

The most distinguishing feature is its unique anchor shape. The anchor, a universal symbol of hope, stability, and naval tradition, is made from solid brass and finished with a gleaming 24-karat gold plating. This precious metal finish ensures that the ornament is not only a beautiful holiday piece but also a durable heirloom for generations of collectors.

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The intricate design details are screen-printed with exquisite color on both the front and reverse sides. The front of the ornament features an elegant depiction of the North Portico of the White House, the iconic entrance that is often the backdrop for official ceremonies. This classic image ties President Carter’s service directly to the executive mansion he served in. The overall design masterfully blends the nautical theme with the presidential history, highlighting various aspects of his life and presidency within the anchor's frame.

The dimensions of the ornament are approximately 3-1/4 inches high, 2-7/8 inches long, and 1/2 inch deep, giving it a noticeable presence on any Christmas tree. Each ornament is meticulously packaged in a commemorative keepsake box, which often includes a booklet detailing the history and significance of the design, making it a perfect gift for history enthusiasts and holiday decorators alike.

The White House Historical Association: Preserving History Through Tradition

The creation and sale of the Official White House Christmas Ornament are managed exclusively by the White House Historical Association (WHHA). This tradition has been a cornerstone of the Association’s fundraising efforts since 1981, beginning with an ornament honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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The WHHA is a charitable, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization, founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Her vision was to ensure that the White House, as the "People's House," was understood and appreciated as a living museum of American history.

The primary mission of the Association is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of the Executive Mansion. Funds generated from the sale of the 2024 ornament—and all products sold by the WHHA—are channeled directly back into this mission. This includes funding for the acquisition of historical artifacts, conservation efforts, research, and educational programs that bring the history of the White House to people across the nation.

When a collector purchases the 2024 Jimmy Carter anchor ornament, they are not merely buying a decoration; they are contributing to the ongoing preservation of one of America’s most important historical landmarks. This charitable aspect adds significant value to the ornament as a meaningful collector's item.

Collecting the Official White House Ornaments: A National Tradition

The annual release of the ornament has created a dedicated community of collectors who eagerly anticipate each new design. The ornaments follow a chronological sequence, honoring presidents in order, though some years are dedicated to significant anniversaries. The 2024 ornament, honoring the 39th President, continues this vital historical timeline.

For many families, collecting the ornaments has become a cherished holiday tradition, with each piece representing a specific year in their own family history alongside the nation's history. The ornaments span decades, offering a tangible connection to the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, among others.

The 2024 Jimmy Carter ornament is a particularly significant addition to the collection because of his unique status as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and his enduring commitment to humanitarian causes after his presidency. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the diverse backgrounds and service records of the individuals who have held the highest office in the nation.

Where to Purchase the Official 2024 White House Ornament

The only official source for the 2024 White House Christmas Ornament is the White House Historical Association, though it is also sold through authorized retailers and gift shops that support the WHHA's mission. Collectors are advised to purchase directly from the Association’s website or a verified retailer to ensure authenticity and that the proceeds benefit the preservation of the White House.

Due to its early February 2024 release date and the popularity of the Carter tribute, demand for this specific ornament has been consistently high throughout the year. It remains a powerful symbol of American history, naval service, and the enduring holiday spirit. Securing the 24-karat gold-finished anchor ornament is a way to honor a distinguished American life while contributing to a noble cause.