President Barack Obama has jumpstarted the holiday season by lighting the National Christmas tree.
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President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Sasha, and Malia, and Michelle’s mother Marian Robinson, react as they light the National Christmas Tree during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015.
Academy Award-winner Reese Witherspoon will host the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. “Merry Christmas, everybody!” Obama said as the national tree took sparkle for the 93rd year.
A special thanks to GE Lighting, Amtrak, Christmas Northeast, Inc., Guest Services, Inc., Hargrove Inc., Hudler Carolina Tree Farms, Loews Madison, Southwest Airlines®, and Washington Marriott at Metro Center for their generous support of the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting.
“Their loss is our loss, too, for we’re all one American family”. Let us be mindful that while Christmas is in part about family, fun, and giving, it more importantly represents the birth and embodiment of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As the 45,000 lights went live with a star atop the 78-foot (24 meters) tall Norway Spruce, this year’s ceremony featured performances from Sting, James Taylor, Mary J. Blige, Carly Rae Jepsen, Andrea Bocelli and other musical stars around its 47-foot (14 meters) wide base.
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Obama closed the ceremony by taking over the microphone to help Santa Claus belt out “Jingle Bells”.
