by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
Much like the Post Office, neither rain nor sleet nor snow could stop the holiday spirit when it came time to light the 2013 National Christmas Tree. President Obama and the First Family lead a star studded group of celebrants who braved the soggy weather to officially welcome the holidays to the Nation’s Capital.
Thousands of locals packed the Ellipse, known as President’s Park, to get a look at the celebrities on hand and the 31-foot Colorado Spruce that will symbolize the holidays this year. This is the 91st tree lighting ceremony, dating back to the administration of Calvin Coolidge who walked over from the White House to flip the switch.
Local journalists Tommy McFly and Jummy Olabanji hosted the pre-show once again and tried to keep the dripping crowd engaged before the President’s arrival.
Jane Lynch
Glee star Jane Lynch kept the energy high and served as host of the show with a parade of musical acts behind her. Mariah Carey was the big holiday treat to onlookers as well as a treat of carols from Aretha Franklin, Train, Janelle Monae, Joshua Bell and up-and-coming acts like Aberdeen Green.
First Lady Michelle Obama and a special Muppet friend read “The Night Before Christmas” to the crowd and a group of bundled up kids and there was plenty of celebration for the National Park Service near and far, with reminders that they take care of our lands from Alaska to American Samoa.
When the President took to the stage everyone perked up to his joyous greeting of “Merry Christmas everybody.” He noted that he rehearses his own singing act just-in-case, but that it’s probably best to leave the singing to the professionals.
“For ninety one years, the National Christmas Tree has stood as a beacon of light and a promise during the holiday season,” Mr. Obama said. “Americans have gathered around our National Tree to kick off the holiday season and give thanks for everything that makes this time of year so magical ” he added before taking a moment to honor the recently passed South African leader Nelson Mandela. The crowd was eager to cheer and respond.
Mariah Carey and a cast of dancing children dressed as elves wrapped up the show with a rendition of her hit “All I Want for Christmas is You” which has become so well known for this time of year. Set against the backdrop of the White House with thousands of twinkling lights splashed across the giant tree, no weather, no matter how treacherous was going to interfere with the Yultide cheer people were looking for.
