White House tours resume in time for Christmas, but they're different than before | Hindustan Times

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**Revised Title:** 'Decked Out for Christmas: White House Tours Resume with a Twist' **Revised Article:** WASHINGTON — After a brief hiatus due to construction, the White House has reopened its doors to visitors, just in time for the holiday season. However, the experience is not the same as it was before. The East Wing, where President Donald Trump's ambitious project to build a grand ballroom is underway, has altered the visitor path and reduced the number of historic rooms accessible to the public. Despite the changes, many were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the White House's festive decorations, courtesy of First Lady Melania Trump. Visitors like Kevin Heins, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were delighted by the Red Room's stunning display of over 10,000 blue butterflies. The symbolic butterflies represent young people supported by the First Lady's Fostering the Future initiative, part of her Be Best child-centered program. Others, like Susan Bare, from Kannapolis, North Carolina, found the butterflies poignant, reminding her of her late son who had planted a butterfly bush before his passing. "My Christmas tree has butterflies on it," she said, reflecting on the emotional connection. However, not everyone was pleased with the new tour layout. Visitors, such as Amiah Henry, a student from Sulphur, Louisiana, noted that the tour has been significantly shortened, with access restricted to the State Floor. Rooms like the China and Vermeil Rooms, located on the ground floor, are now off-limits due to the construction. While some staff members use the displaced areas as temporary offices, Henry expressed her disappointment at missing out on seeing the East Wing, which was her favorite part of the tour. "It's definitely a big change," she said, as the sound of construction work echoed in the background. On a more optimistic note, Heins, a retired law enforcement and military veteran, believes that the ballroom extension will ultimately benefit the White House, allowing for more efficient hosting of events without the need for temporary tents. As the White House gears up for the holiday season, visitors can expect a unique experience, with a mix of festive decorations and the ongoing transformation of this iconic landmark.