(CNN) — Barbara Bush outfitted the White House Christmas Tree with hundreds of white lilies and iridescent garlands. Michelle Obama added tributes to the First Dog, Bo, in her festive decor. Melania Trump bucked convention with bare white branches and those infamous dark red trees.

Since holiday-obsessed Mamie Eisenhower ramped up presidential Christmas decorations in the 1950s, First Ladies have become the keepers of increasingly elaborate holiday decor traditions, and their sensibilities applauded or scrutinized. With new conventions added by different administrations — themes were first introduced by Jacqueline Kennedy, elaborate gingerbread White Houses by Patricia Nixon, and Red Room cranberry trees by Betty Ford — planning has become an intricate, months-long process between the First Lady and a team of designers, and requires hundreds of volunteers to execute.