Volunteer: When you're walking around the White House floors and seeing

all the rooms where so much has happened and so much history is

kind of -- I mean, it's truly one of the most amazing

experiences one could have, it really is.

Volunteer: We're all little elves running around, so...

Volunteer: And it happens so much faster than one could ever imagine,

I mean, we're doing, what is it, 18, 20 rooms?

The First Lady: This would not be possible if it weren't for the 85 fabulous

volunteers who took time out of their busy lives to come from

all parts of the country to help us decorate this house,

and it happens overnight.

♪♪(music playing)♪♪

Volunteer: It's been really inspiring to watch all these talented

designers put this plan together.

We're all volunteers, we're not paid.

We pay for all of our travel and lodging expenses.

Volunteer: I have been climbing scaffolding,

I have been down on the floor skirting trees,

I have been organizing floral arrangements,

I have been placing Poinsettias, everything and

anything that's asked.

♪♪(music playing)♪♪

The First Lady: This year's theme is "Joy to All."

It celebrates the many joys of the holiday seasons,

the joy of giving and service to others,

the joy of sharing our blessings with one another, and of course,

the joy of welcoming our friends and families as guests into our

homes over these next several weeks.

Volunteer: I can see why people really want to come and visit the White

House over the holidays, because it's really --

it even takes on a more magical experience.

I'm in the Oregon Air National Guard,

I've been in the Guard for 22 years,

and I wanted to nominate my partner to become a volunteer

and thought, well, now that the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy has

been repealed, I can actually write the letter.

Before, I would never dare.

The First Lady: Throughout the holiday season, more than 90,000 people will

come from all around the world to see this house,

and I do hope that your holiday season is truly special.

♪♪(music playing)♪♪