A Very ‘Enchanted’ Christmas: Student Ornaments Bring Magic to the Governor’s Mansion
The stately halls of the Governor’s Mansion recently got a joyful dose of Christmas magic, thanks to a group of spirited young artists. In a cherished annual tradition, fourth-grade students from Polk Elementary were invited to the historic residence to personally deck the halls, transforming one of its Christmas trees with their own heartfelt, handmade creations.
This year’s theme, “An Enchanted Christmas,” inspired a whimsical forest of decorations, complete with magical creatures, bears, and gifts that brought a fantastical touch to the mansion’s library. It was a unique field trip where history and holiday cheer mixed perfectly for the schoolchildren.
Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox welcomed the class into the residence, a tradition the First Lady noted connects the students to the history they learn in their classrooms. The Governor made sure to remind the children that the grand building is truly “your home too. This house belongs to the people of Utah.”
The afternoon was more than just ornament hanging. Before starting their decorating duties, the First Lady read the students a holiday book, “Bear Stays Up For Christmas.” Then, the real work began, with one group carefully placing their unique ornaments on the tree while others focused on trimming the library’s mantel. These are the moments that truly bring the official residence to life during the holiday season, weaving the dreams and imagination of the state’s youngest residents into its history.
The Utah Governor’s Mansion has a long-standing commitment to involving children in its holiday celebrations. The tradition of inviting children to the residence dates back to the early 20th century, when First Lady Jennie Kearns began regularly hosting children from a nearby orphanage. Today, this legacy continues through the annual student decorating event, ensuring the state’s official home remains connected to its community roots.
After their decorating efforts were complete, the students received a special tour led by Governor Cox himself. The fourth graders explored the grand staircase, the dining room, and even got to experience a truly unexpected joy: a spontaneous dance session with the Governor in the elegant ballroom. For many, this was a school day unlike any other, complete with history lessons, personal interactions, and even requests for the Governor’s autograph.
Across the nation, this tradition of student-created ornaments adding a personal touch to state residences is a popular one. Other governor’s mansions have invited students to design ornaments centered around themes like “favorite sports” or “Christmas in Connecticut: Past and Present,” highlighting local history and culture. But in the Utah residence, it was the “enchanted” creativity of Polk Elementary that took center stage, ensuring that every citizen who visits the mansion this holiday season will get a glimpse of the wonder and magic only a child’s hand can create.
This collaborative effort transforms the public areas of the mansion from a house of government into a true home, radiating the heart of the community through glittering, handmade treasures.