The White House will celebrate Christmas in a more subdued way in 2021. Instead of holiday parties, it has decided to do “open houses,” where attendees can see the Christmas decorations.

There was a Democratic National Committee holiday celebration on Dec. 14 at a hotel rooftop, with 400 party donors, senior staffers, labor leaders and other dignitaries gathered for a holiday celebration. At the gathering, Biden expressed disappointment that the pandemic had limited who could visit the White House due to COVID-19 and the variants.

“I have to admit to you, I have one serious regret,” Biden said according to WhiteHouse.gov. “I had hoped by now each one of you who had helped us get to where we are would have had full access to the White House. I mean that sincerely. We had all kinds of plans. We thought we were going to be in a position due to vaccinations."

The White House usually hosts an array of Christmas parties, receptions, and VIP events that start in the middle of December.

But this year, the pandemic has cut into the holiday cheer at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

“It doesn’t look exactly like it has always looked here,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “But we are going to continue to celebrate, to embrace the holiday season and look for ways we can do that.

Although there are still some special attributions to the White House Christmas decorations. Multiple rooms in the White House have been decorated to represent something to be thankful for this year.

According to WhiteHouse.gov this includes:

East Landing – Gold Star Tree

The Gold Star Tree honors the heroic men and women of the armed forces, who laid down their lives for our country, and the families who carry on their legacies.

Library – Gift of Learning

Throughout the past year, there has been an emphasis on the "Gift of Learning." Educators learned how to connect with students in new and innovative ways, pushing through the challenges of the pandemic.

Vermeil Room – Gift of the Visual Arts

To celebrate the "Gift of the Visual Arts," the Vermeil (French for “gilded silver”) Room glows with bright, bold, colorful paintbrushes and paint swatches, representing diverse American artists.

China Room – Gift of Friendship and Sharing

The China Room inspires Americans to share healing laughs, comforting meals, and warm memories with loved ones.

East Room – Gift of Gratitude

The room seeks to restore the soul with love and understanding, with care and compassion, and most of all, with gratitude.

Green Room – Gift of Nature

The Green Room honors the "Gift of Nature." The aim is to always find respite, tranquility, and restoration in the bounty of nature.

Blue Room – Gift of Peace and Unity

The Blue Room, featuring the Official White House Christmas Tree, celebrates the "Gift of Peace and Unity." Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner with the names of each state and territory of the U.S. and remind of the importance of unity and national harmony.

State Dining Room – Gift of Family

The State Dining Room celebrates the cherished "Gift of Family" — those we are born into, those we choose, and those we create. The pandemic kept many Americans apart, yet it also helped remind many of how time together is precious.