Christmas Tree Lighting Marks Start of Holiday Season

There was plenty of holiday spirit in Washington as the season officially commenced with the First Family lighting the National Christmas Tree on Thursday evening in President’s Park, south of the White House.

The tree lighting and warm festive celebration that coincided was attended by hundreds of individuals and families. President Obama spoke to honor the Christmas holiday and the 89-year-old National tree lighting tradition that dates back to the Presidency of Calvin Coolidge.

“Tonight, once again, we gather here not simply to light some decorations, but to honor a story that lights the world. In this season of hope, let’s help those who need it the most: the homeless, the hungry, the sick and shut in,” President Obama said.

“In this season of plenty lets reach out to those that struggle to find work and provide for their families. In this season of generosity lets give thanks and honor to our troupes and our veterans and their families that sacrificed so much for us, and lets welcome all those who are happily coming home,” the president said.

The program, hosted by Carson Daly, featured spirited performances, including the U.S. Air Force’s Airman of Note, who performed rousing jazz renditions of holiday classics. Eli Goulding sang “Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas.”

One Republic also performed their original song, “Christmas Without You,” and Rodney Atkins performed the classic “I'll Be Home for Christmas.” Marsha Ambrosius and Big Time Rush also contributed performances.

First Lady Michelle Obama read the classic Christmas poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to a group of children, with the assistance of Kermit the Frog.

According to the National Park Foundation, this year’s National Christmas Tree is the most energy efficient ever, decorated with approximately 65 sets of programmable multicolor LED lights, and 160 starburst ornaments. The total wattage for the National Christmas Tree is under 2000 watts, according to a statement from Mary Beth Gotti, Manager of the GE lighting Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

This year’s tree is a replacement for one lost in a storm earlier this year. The previous tree stood in President’s Park for more than 30 years.

“Tonight let this tree remind us that in all times the light of love and goodwill shines brightly across America, and around the world. Here we light our Nation’s spirit of peace, hope, and joy for the holidays,” stated Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.