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A Bill Hixson Christmas at The White House

Bill Hixson with former First Lady Laura Bush [photo courtesy Bill Hixson]

One thing you’ll never hear Bill Hixson is “Bah Humbug.” The Lakewood based floral designer, who is often called “Mr. Christmas” is the long-time owner of Hixson’s in Lakewood. For 35 years, Hixson has been volunteering his services to help decorate the White House during the holiday season.

Now in his 80s, Hixson’s role these days is as a trouble shooter, providing guidance and knowledge to those who prepare 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for this time of year.

Hixson told ideastream’s Dan Polletta that he was quite impressed with the how the Blue Room was decorated this year. In particular Dixon was taken with the garland that adorns the 19 foot Douglas fir that is the Room’s centerpiece. On this long ribbon, a calligrapher has written the preamble to the Constitution. Hixson also described as “very touching” the decorative mirrors in the Blue Room on which children wrote messages to parents who are serving in the military.

Hixson says that most unusual decoration he saw was in the State Dining Room, which is the home to the famed portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. At first glance, Hixson was disappointed in the gingerbread figure he saw on the mantle…but upon closer inspection, what he saw made him change his mind.

To hear what captured Hixson’s attention about this unusual gingerbread figure, as well as other stories about his work helping to decorate the White House, listen to his conversation with our Dan Polletta Monday December 12th at 12:33 pm on 90.3’s Here and Now featuring The Sound of Applause.

Bill Hixson-owner