A West Chester mother and business owner was given the chance of a lifetime when she was asked to decorate the White House for Christmas, writes Ben Silver for Main Line Today. 

Nicole Radio owns Maggie’s Market Shop, a small business that sells handmade jewelry, hosts charity events, and helps create employment opportunities for those with disabilities.  

Every summer, thousands of people submit applications to help decorate the White House. Typically, two individuals are chosen from every state in the United States. Although some applicants have applied for years without being chosen, Radio was selected on her first try. 

“It’s just like when you decorate at your own house,” Radio said. “You’re trying to use what’s meaningful to make the core connect with people that are going to be visiting.” 

The White House has about 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. Together with the other volunteers, Radio helped string over 165,000 Christmas lights, 10,000 feet of ribbon, and over 28,000 ornaments.

This year’s theme, selected by First Lady Jill Biden, was traditional. The White House is filled with red and green plaid to celebrate this special time of year.  

Read more about the White House’s decorating process at Main Line Today. 

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