The White House is going vintage this year with its Christmas decorations and ornaments, reusing ones from past presidents. Yet, with Barney's creative director Simon Doonan decorating, it's a long way from the days of Abigail and John Adams, the first couple to spend Christmas at the White House. Mrs. Adams burned more than 20 cords of wood during the first White House Christmas party to try to keep her guests warm, but it wasn't enough and many chilled guests left early.