Obama Watch: Week of Dec. 6

President Obama honors Oprah Winfrey, reaches out to various world leaders, the family takes a break for the holidays, plus much more!

Oprah and Others at White House Reception - The Obama's hosted the Kennedy Center Honorees Reception in the White House’s East Room on Sunday. During the event, the president had this to say about Oprah Winfrey, one of the honorees: “She has taught us to find strength in overcoming; to take a stand for ourselves and what we know is right.  And she has shown millions of people around the world – people she probably will never meet – what it means to believe in ‘the dream of your own life.’”

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Oprah and Others at White House Reception - The Obama's hosted the Kennedy Center Honorees Reception in the White House’s East Room on Sunday. During the event, the president had this to say about Oprah Winfrey, one of the honorees: “She has taught us to find strength in overcoming; to take a stand for ourselves and what we know is right. And she has shown millions of people around the world – people she probably will never meet – what it means to believe in ‘the dream of your own life.’”

Kennedy Center Honors Main Event - After the reception, the president and first lady attended the ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center. Notable honorees included choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones, Tony Award-winning composer Jerry Herman, country music singer Merle Haggard and former Beatle Paul McCartney. The program airs on CBS December 28, 2010 at 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

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Kennedy Center Honors Main Event - After the reception, the president and first lady attended the ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center. Notable honorees included choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones, Tony Award-winning composer Jerry Herman, country music singer Merle Haggard and former Beatle Paul McCartney. The program airs on CBS December 28, 2010 at 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

On the Line with China - Sunday evening President Obama called President Hu Jintao of China to discuss the importance of peace in Northeast Asia. According to a White House statement, Obama, “condemned the North Korean shelling of a South Korean island on November 23 and its pursuit of a uranium enrichment program in defiance of its obligations. He urged China to work with us and others to send a clear message to North Korea that its provocations are unacceptable."

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On the Line with China - Sunday evening President Obama called President Hu Jintao of China to discuss the importance of peace in Northeast Asia. According to a White House statement, Obama, “condemned the North Korean shelling of a South Korean island on November 23 and its pursuit of a uranium enrichment program in defiance of its obligations. He urged China to work with us and others to send a clear message to North Korea that its provocations are unacceptable."

College Tour - On Monday, the president traveled to Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he took a tour of two biotechnology classrooms. Afterward, Obama spoke to students, faculty and local business leaders about the economy and the importance of schools like Forsyth.

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College Tour - On Monday, the president traveled to Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he took a tour of two biotechnology classrooms. Afterward, Obama spoke to students, faculty and local business leaders about the economy and the importance of schools like Forsyth.

Thursday - President Obama will have meetings at the White House.

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A Marathon of Meetings - The president kicked back as he attended meeting after meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

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Polish Presidential Visit - The president welcomed his Polish counterpart, Bronislaw Komorowski, to the White House on Wednesday. During their Oval Office meeting, the two leaders discussed the proposed U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty. On Thursday, according to reports, Komorowski will visit a Polish community in Cleveland.

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Polish Presidential Visit - The president welcomed his Polish counterpart, Bronislaw Komorowski, to the White House on Wednesday. During their Oval Office meeting, the two leaders discussed the proposed U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty. On Thursday, according to reports, Komorowski will visit a Polish community in Cleveland.

National Christmas Tree Lighting - The First Family will attend the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. Maroon 5 and blues singer B.B. King are scheduled to perform.

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National Christmas Tree Lighting - The First Family will attend the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. Maroon 5 and blues singer B.B. King are scheduled to perform.

The First Lady's Simple Gifts - First Lady Michelle Obama is gearing up for a busy holiday season in which the White House is expected to see 100,000 tourists. “Simple Gifts” is the theme of this year’s celebration. “In the end, the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don't cost a thing: the time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need,” she said.

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The First Lady's Simple Gifts - First Lady Michelle Obama is gearing up for a busy holiday season in which the White House is expected to see 100,000 tourists. “Simple Gifts” is the theme of this year’s celebration. “In the end, the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don't cost a thing: the time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need,” she said.

Hawaii Bound - On Saturday, the First Family traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii where they spent the holidays. President Obama returns to D.C. on Jan. 1.

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Hawaiian Holiday - On Dec. 18, the First Family will head to Honolulu, Hawaii for their annual Christmas vacation.