The arrival of the White House Christmas Tree has always been considered the official start of the holiday season in the Nation’s Capital.

This year was not an exception.

For southern-born Ellen Axson Wilson, it was a time of joyful exuberance.

Washington was at its Winter’s glory.

Snow had fallen over the nation’s capital. It blanked the nation’s seat of power not only in a sea of white, but in a surreal landscape of calmness. The hustle and bustle came to a halt and the denizens were able to really take time to absorb the beauty of their surroundings. L'Enfant’s Greek Revival plan of an imposing capital, wide boulevards, majestic malls and public spaces took on an even more elegant appearance when covered in the snow. Throughout the City, the seasonal evergreen boughs, red plaid ribbons and pineapple inspired door wreaths seemed to become more pronounced against the wintery background.

There were three letters that day.

Two arrived at the same time. One came a little later. It was sent by special courier.

The first two were from the young men’s mothers. Franklin Wilder’s was sent from China Berry Farm in Savannah. It had been forward from his school address at Cornell. Sebastian De’Alba’s came from the Cuban Embassy in Washington.