The Obamas Light the National Christmas Tree
BET.com takes a look at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
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Merry Christmas, America! - More than 17,000 people came out to watch President Obama and the first family light the National Christmas Tree at the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday night. BET.com takes a look at the festivities. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times/LANDOV)
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Colorful First Family - The Obamas prepare to push the button to light the tree."Our tree has been having a hard time recently — this is our third one in as many years," the president joked. "Our longstanding tree was lost in a storm, and then its replacement didn’t take hold. It just goes to show, nobody’s job is safe here in Washington. But I feel good about this one."(Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
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Story Time - First lady Michelle Obama and Rico Rodriguez, an actor on the show Modern Family, read a story to kids during the ceremony.(Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
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"As has been mentioned, we’ve been lighting the National Christmas Tree for 90 years now," the president told the thousands in attendance. "In times of war and peace, triumph and tragedy, we’ve always come together to rejoice in the Christmas miracle."(Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
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Santa Claus Came to Town - Is the president on Santa's naughty or nice list?(Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV)
Photo By Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV
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Sing-a-Long - The first family joined celebs for a sing-a-long.(Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
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An Obama Duet - (Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV)
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Hello! - The president and youngest daughter Sasha greet the crowd.(Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV)
Photo By Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV
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Solo - Malia sings as her sister looks on. (Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV)
Photo By Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS /LANDOV
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Happy Holidays - Actor Neil Patrick Harris hosted the ceremony and joked with Rodriguez about joining the Obamas in Hawaii for Christmas.(Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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High Five! - Obama gives high five to kids after story time.(Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
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Ledisi - Singer Ledisi performed with a choir.(Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed/LANDOV)
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Malia Shines - (Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
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Rocking Out - The first family enjoys the concert at the ceremony. (Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
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Ooohs and Ahhs! - The tree in all of its glory. The message of Christmas is "a chance to count our blessings and give thanks to those outstanding service members who bravely defend them," said President Obama. (Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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