Each year, our homes transform as we dig out the Christmas tree and other decorations - or chop down a fresh one, if your family was fancier than mine.

Most of us don't bother coordinating our boxes of ornaments, or choosing a yearly theme.

But at the White House, where the First Lady has the final say about the Christmas decorating, the First Family always goes the extra mile.

Melania Trump unveiled the 2018 holiday decorations on Monday, and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is already looking much more festive than last year.

With the theme of "American Treasures," many of this year's ornaments and decorations pay tribute to the country's history.

That includes the Gold Star Family Tree, where visitors can write messages to loved ones of family members who died in the line of duty.

"This is a joyous time of year when we decorate the White House for the Christmas season," Melania said in a statement.

"Our theme honors the heart and spirit of the American people."

Some of the most striking features in this year's Christmas display are the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall.

Last year, rows of grey trees drew complaints that Melania's decorating was drab.

This year, the trees are brightly decorated, and the halls are decked out in red, which is meant to evoke the red stripes of the American flag, representing patriotism.

Melania also shared a video of the 18-foot tall Christmas White House Christmas Tree.

It will stand proudly in the Blue Room all holiday season, and pays tribute to each of the 50 states (and the American territories) with an embroidered blue velvet ribbon bearing all of their names wrapped around it.

It's important to make the White House look just right, because over the holidays it hosts more than 30,000 visitors, and more than 100 open house tours.

On social media, opinions were neatly divided about the Christmas display. Some said it was "top notch," while others complained that the red trees made the halls look "like a car wash."

"How do wealthy people have such bad taste?" one person asked.

But in spite of the criticism, Melania was in the Christmas spirit as she paid tribute to the team that helped her decorate for the holidays.

"Thank you to the many volunteers and staff who worked hard to decorate the halls of the People's House in Christmas cheer," she said.

"On behalf of my family, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

[H/T: Today]

What do you think of this year's White House Christmas decorations?