"That's a good-looking tree," President Obama says, as Colorado Blue Spruce makes its debut on the Ellipse...Joined by Carson Daly, Kermit the Frog, and a bevy of musical celebs, including boy band Big Time Rush, President Obama re-told the story of the Nativity as he and the First Family lit the National Christmas Tree on a chilly Thursday evening. Santa Claus joined the fun too, of course. (Above, from l: First Grandmother Marian Robinson, Malia, Mrs. Obama, Sasha, Kermit, Daly, Santa, and the President)
The U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note, a military band, played a lively "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as the First Family took the stage on the Ellipse shortly after 5:00 PM, bundled in winter clothes, including gloves and scarves. It was 47 degrees, cold even for a family used to Chicago's deep freeze. The 26-foot tall Colorado Blue Spruce is in the President's Park, which is essentially the backyard of the White House, located across a small access road from the bottom of the South Lawn. It was installed in March.
"This year, we have a brand new tree," President Obama said during brief remarks. "The last one stood here for more than 30 years -- until we lost it in a storm earlier this year." (Above, during his remarks)"But we all know that this tradition is much larger than any single tree. And tonight, once again, we gather here not simply to light some decorations, but to honor a story that lights the world."
Christ's birth, said the President, should remind us all that 'tis the season to love God and to love one another. That message "lies at the heart of my Christian faith," he said.
"So long as the gifts and the parties are happening, it’s important for us to keep in mind the central message of this season, and keep Christ’s words not only in our thoughts, but also in our deeds," he said.
The President called on all Americans to remember those in military service; that's the theme of the holidays at the White House this year, unveiled by First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday.
A huge happy crowd watched the action on two jumbotrons by the side of the stage, which was decorated with a backdrop of a star-filled night sky. The First Family joined in a bit of caroling, and Mrs. Obama, accompanied by Kermit, read Clement Moore's classic 'The Night Before Christmas," surrounded by little kids garbed in festive holiday gear, who helped her turn the pages (above).When it was time to light the tree, the President called his family to join him in pushing the button that turns on the environmentally friendly LED lights.
"On behalf of Malia and Sasha and Michelle and our grandmother-in-chief, Marian--I wish you all the happiest holiday season, the merriest of Christmases," he said, to laughter. "God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America." (Above: Pushing the button)"I know it's not quite as big as the old tree," he said. "But we're going to fill it up with some spirit and start a new tradition right now...Five, four, three, two, one -- "
And with that, the tree was lit, to wild applause from the crowd.
"There you go. That's a good-looking tree," President Obama said.
There has been a National Christmas Tree every year since 1923, according to the National Park Service. Other performers at the event included The Jersey Boys, OneRepublic, and Will.i.am. Above, the newly lit National Christmas Tree, with the White House in the background.The motorcade delivered the first Family back to the White House at 6:20 PM.
The First Lady reads to the kids:
*Photos by AP/Pool