This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Laura Lentin
President Barack Obama and the first family kicked off the holiday season Thursday night with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, chart-topping performers and even an appearance from Saint Nick himself.
Thousands of onlookers joined the Obamas for the ceremony, a tradition that began with Calvin Coolidge in 1923. The tree lighting is just one part of this year’s “Pageant of Peace.” Tickets were distributed to the public through a lottery.
The tree, an impressive 43-foot tall Colorado Blue Spruce tree, was planted on the Ellipse in 1978 and was lit with a simple push of a button by the President, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha. The twinkling ornaments and 750 strings of light are powered by GE in what is being billed as the ‘greenest’ White House Christmas tree ever.
The tree, powered by GE, consumes 6,000 watts instead of the 18,000 watts consumed by last year’s tree.
“This year’s tree will be outfitted entirely in LEDs [light emitting diodes] and will feature background lighting, a topper and ornaments all utilized in past designs,” according to the program distributed at the event.
President Obama gave a brief address to the crowd before he and his family lit up the tree against the darkening blue sky. He spoke about what the holiday season means, about the “spirit of unity,” and about “celebrating a story as beautiful as it is simple,”—in reference to Jesus’ birth.
The ceremony began around 5 p.m. with Jordin Sparks singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” accompanied by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
Other performers—such as Sheryl Crow, Joshua Redman with Brad Mehladau, Celtic Women with the 18th Street Singers, Ray LaMontagne and Common with the PS 22 Chorus—sang their own renditions of classic Christmas songs.
“This is the real kick off of the holiday season for me,” said Rev. Cynthia L. Hale, who led off the evening with a prayer.
“They gave their heart, they sang from their hearts tonight!” she said of the performers.
United States Marine Band Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Perry was excited to be at the lighting.
“It’s fantastic. You couldn’t beat it! It’s a lot of fun!” he said.
The event had about 14,000 people in attendance, and despite the day’s warm weather, everyone bundled up for the cold evening and sang along with their favorite songs, cheering on Santa and Mrs. Claus when they appeared on stage.
When Santa arrived on stage, he helped to grant a Christmas wish to a girl in elementary school named Flora who read her letter to Santa in front of the crowd.
Among her wishes for this holiday season were the board game Mancala, to see her grandmother who lives in Korea and for no more fighting.
Michelle Obama also gave a little treat to the audience by reading a beloved story—“The Night Before Christmas”—with about ten children gathered around her.
The event concluded with a cluster of performers singing a final holiday song. Obama even sung a few words in the middle.
If you missed the spectacle, the trees will be lit until January 1, 2010 from dusk until 11 p.m. each night, and a video of the ceremony can be viewed online.
Santa will be in the workshop on the Ellipse for anyone who wishes to visit him this holiday season and see the majestic National Tree lit, surrounded by the 50 state trees, five trees representing territories, and one more for the District.
