Rain halted many plans but it didn’t stop a 90-year-old tradition on Capitol Hill. The First Family hosted the annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the cold and rain on Friday (December 7), having entertainment and umbrellas for attendees.
Sasha and Malia took part in the festivities, standing onstage while mom and dad welcomed all to the event. Both of the Obama girls looked stylish and warm with Sasha wearing gray and black, and Malia sporting the checkered look with black.
President Obama spoke about the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth is the reason for Christmas. “Christ assumed a mighty voice teaching us lessons of compassion and charity that have lasted more than two millennia,” said the President. “And in Him we see a living example of scripture that we ought to love others not only through our words but also through our deeds.”
Mr. Obama also commented on Nelson Mandela’s death, which made the party a bit of a bitter sweet celebration for some. “In his life he blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage. And we are all privileged to live in a world touched by his goodness,” explained the Chief of Staff.
Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin were two of many entertainers to perform at this year’s tree ceremony. The National Christmas Tree was first lit in public during the 1920s.
