“Five, four, three, two, one.” The Obamas rang in the Christmas season with a lively tree lighting ceremony. This year marks the ninety third year that the White House held the event.

“Merry Christmas, everybody,” exclaimed President Obama. “Now, this is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year. But we would be remiss not to take a moment to remember our fellow Americans whose hearts are heavy tonight – who grieve for loved ones, especially in San Bernardino, California.” Fourteen people were killed, and twenty one civilians wounded, on Wednesday after a husband and wife opened fire at a public health facility in San Bernardino.

“Their loss is our loss, too, for we’re all one American family,” said the president. “We look out for each other in good times, and in bad. And they should know that all of us care about them this holiday season.”

See more pictures from this year’s tree lighting ceremony below!