Obamas Sing, Dance at National Christmas Tree Lighting
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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — The halls of the White House are decked for the holidays, and now so too is that giant Colorado blue spruce in the back yard.
With the help of his trusty teleprompter, President Obama and the first family Thursday night counted down to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse.
The annual production by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, which dates back to 1923, is famously scripted for a family-friendly audience with a hefty dose of cheesy humor.
“Did you know Calvin Coolidge played the harmonica and had two pet racoons?” quipped co-host actor Tom Hanks in the opening monologue.
“How did you know that?” asked co-host actress Rita Wilson, feigning disbelief.
“His Facebook page!” replied Hanks. The line drew some audible groans amid the polite chuckles in the crowd.
For the first time in the 92-year tradition, the 2014 National Christmas Tree had a presence on social media, posting a humorous play-by-play from its Twitter account, @TheNationalTree.
Here we go! 3…2…1!!!! Look at me #SHINE!! Shout out to @GElighting for making me look this good! #NCTL2014
— The National Tree (@TheNationalTree) December 4, 2014
The celebration featured a star-studded concert with musical performances by Patti Labelle, NE-YO, Steve Miller, The Tenors, and Chely Wright. From the front row, the president and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson were seen swaying and clapping to the tunes. Even the first daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, were spotted singing along.
Sasha and Malia can’t help but sing along!! I can relate…this is amazing!!!! #NCTL2014 pic.twitter.com/RagrBDu8Em
— The National Tree (@TheNationalTree) December 4, 2014
Mrs. Obama and star Little League pitcher Mo’ne Davis read “The Night Before Christmas” to a group of young school children.
I <3 this story so much! I can’t wait for the night before Christmas to get here! #NCTL2014 pic.twitter.com/nDVZdsAfru
— The National Tree (@TheNationalTree) December 4, 2014
Not to be outdone, President Obama took the stage at the end of the concert to groove with Santa.
What a great celebration! @BarackObama and Santa high five to close out @TheNationalTree Lighting Ceremony pic.twitter.com/03T5eGZb4u
— Hargrove, Inc. (@Hargroveinc) December 4, 2014
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