by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Despite a string of warm weather, DC was beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Thursday when President Obama and The First Family joined a parade of celebrities to celebrate the lighting of the 90th National Christmas Tree.
The tradition dates back to President Calvin Coolidge, who was the first to pair music with the ceremonial lighting on the Ellipse, just outside the White House. The Ellipse, the White House grounds, and surrounding land known as President’s Park are in the care of the National Park Service who puts on the celebration each year.
Much more elaborate than the days of Coolidge, the event now boasts around 20,000 guests who come out to see the lighting and concert along with the first Family.
This year’s events were star studded, hosted by stage and screen actor Neil Patrick Harris who kept the crowd laughing among the cool December air.
Musicians like Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, James Taylor, The Fray, Phillip Phillips, and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds got people in the holiday spirit with carols like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland and Baby it’s Cold Outside.
Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Rico Rodriguez, known as one of the child stars of ABC’s Modern Family, also joined the line -up for the evening and read Twas the Night Before Christmas to a group of children with the First Lady.
The First Lady with Rico Rodriguez
Rodriguez also bickered and bantered with the Obamas and Neil Patrick Harris about wanting to join their family and which one of them was more likely to end up on a Presidential vacation.
The President
The President seemed in good spirits, despite running behind schedule……..he joked with the crowd as the family threw the switch on the bright and towering tree with the South Portico off in the distance.
The President sent Christmas wishes to the whole crowd and told a story about how this holiday season we need to band with those struck by tragedies such as Hurricane Sandy. Mr. Obama pointed out that the holidays should be about hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The First Family with Neil Patrick Harris
