According to U.S. House of Representatives historians, on December 24, 1913, “thousands flocked to the U.S. Capitol to celebrate Washington’s first ‘community Christmas.’ "The centerpiece of the festivities, a 40-foot Norway spruce Christmas tree located on the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol, was adorned with red, white, and blue electric bulbs. The celebration boasted a lighted placard with the inscription, ‘Peace on earth, good will to men,’ nativity scenes, and a large chorus which sang Christmas hymns. "During the Christmas Eve celebration, the Marine Band playe...