Lighting the national Christmas tree (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.)

from blog Obama Food-o-rama (here in Google Blogger) - event took place Thursday Dec. 9
WASHINGTON, D.C. -   The fun but freezing outing included musical performances, and the highlight, other than unveiling of the fabulous eco-friendly tree, was the First Lady reading what is perhaps the foodiest of all holiday tales, "Twas the Night Before Christmas," by Clement Moore.

“Snow or shine, in good times and in periods of hardship, folks like you have gathered with Presidents to light our national tree,” President Obama told the huge crowd. “Now, it hasn’t always gone off without a hitch. On one occasion, two sheep left the safety of the Nativity scene and wandered into rush-hour traffic. That caused some commotion.”  The President referred to periods of hardship in the Nation's history during past Christmas celebrations, before telling the story of the Nativity.
"It’s a story that’s dear to Michelle and me as Christians, but it’s a message that's universal: A child was born far from home to spread a simple message of love and redemption to every human being around the world," President Obama said.
"It’s a message that says no matter who we are or where we are from, no matter the pain we endure or the wrongs we face, we are called to love one another as brothers and as sisters," the President said. He sent out a special shout out to members of the military and their families, urging everyone to urged everyone to pray for the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and to live “with a spirit of charity and goodwill.”
"On behalf of Malia, Sasha, Michelle, Marian -- who’s our grandmother-in-chief -- and Bo -- don’t forget Bo -- I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season," the President said as the entire First Family, with a countdown, pushed the button to illuminate the tree, which glows with special energy saving lights. It's surrounded by 56 smaller trees representing each of the fifty states, and US territories.
As she started to read "'Twas The Night before Christmas," Mrs. Obama realized she was skipping pages thanks to her gloves, and removed these with her teeth.  "The First Lady is taking off her gloves," Mrs. Obama said, and then continued.
Santa Claus appeared after Mrs. Obama's story, and protested.  "I've never liked that story about my belly looking like a bowl full of jelly," Santa said. "I think the red suit is quite slimming." Santa may well be the next superstar to join Let's Move!.
Musical performances were by B.B. King, rapper Common, Maroon 5, 10-year-old opera singer Jackie Evancho, Jim James of the band My Morning Jacket, Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. King performed "Merry Christmas, Baby" while Maroon 5 sang "Winter Wonderland" and John Lennon’s "Happy Xmas." Evancho wowed with “O Holy Night," and Bareilles and Michaelson performed “Winter Song.”