One of North Texas' most cherished holiday traditions is the Christmas exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. This year, visitors step back in time to 2005 when President George W. Bush was in office.
The theme that year was, "All Things Bright and Beautiful," a theme that highlighted the beauty found in nature, particularly the flowers and fruits of winter holidays.
Photos: Bush Center Decorates for Christmas in 2005 Theme
It was also the Christmas after Hurricane Katrina.
Former first lady Laura Bush gave NBC 5 a sneak peek at the exhibit and said the historic storm had an impact on that year's theme.
"The idea of using natural things, because, of course, a lot of people lost their old ornaments — the ornaments that in many cases had been passed down in their family," Bush said.
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The 18-foot Christmas tree was decorated with more than 500 fresh lilies and crystal ornaments.
"The Blue Room, where the tree is, smelled like lilies. They were real lilies in little vases on the trees," Bush said.
Visitors will see a replica within the exhibit.
Topiaries of the first family's dogs, Barney and Beasley, are on display, as well as Mrs. Bush's holiday gown by Carolina Herrera.
President George W. Bush's painting, "Tree of Life," hangs in the exhibit and is 2017's Bush Center Christmas ornament, available for purchase.
When asked what Mrs. Bush misses most about White House Christmases, she said with a laugh, "The chef. I've been out of practice for many years since we had a chef at the Governor's Mansion and the White House. But truly I miss all the people."
MORE: Visit the Bush Center website for more information on the Christmas celebration.
