The National Christmas Tree is one of those trees that is part of history every year. President Calvin Coolidge started the tradition back in 1923. The tree was a 48-foot fir and contained 2,500 red, white, and green Christmas lights. A local choir and quartet perfeormed while this was going on. The tradition has been taking place ever since.
Not only does the President light The National Christmas Tree every year, but there are activities that go along with the event! There is a program called The National Christmas Tree Program which is numerous activities that include the ceremony, musical events, and train rides that go around the base of the tree.
President Obama and his family lit the Christmas Tree today, Obama's first time lighting the tree. The President joked "I'm technologically challenged and I might not get this right. Everybody has got to help me out here." Michelle, Malia, and Sasha led a countdown and the family lit the tree. When the tree was lit, Obama shouted "It worked!" Performers that were at the event included Sheryl Crow, Common, and Jordin Sparks. Before Obama lit the tree, he told the story of the tradition and that it is something that we can celebrate as a country.
The tree contains 6,000 watts compared to last year which had 18,000 watts. The tree topper and many of the ornaments were recycled as one would call them or used from previous years. 800 of the ornaments were used from previous administrations. Michelle Obama said "We sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House."
"This American Holiday tradtion continues to bring citizens together to share in a message of hope and peace."
Traditions are definitely one of my favorite parts of the holiday season! Yes, presents are nice, and seeing my family is great too, but the continuity of celebrating the same way or with the same trappings is absolutely fantastic! Now that I have my own home, it is fun to pull out my Christmas boxes and see some of those ornaments and knickknacks that used to be part of the décor at my parents’ house. It really does make it feel more like Christmas
ReplyDeleteI think our nation having a Christmas tradition like the tree lighting is also a fantastic thing. As a nation we may never know what is around the corner, but knowing that each year the President and his family will light a Christmas tree is something nice to look forward to.
Alicia -
ReplyDeleteI know that tradition is huge at our house, so it's really nice to see something like a christmas tree be some important to the presidents and our country. We do the exact same things every year, from decorating our tree to have the same meals, to opening presents in a certain order in the family. All of these things are very important, and it makes us feel comfortable and happy to know that we have all of these things. Seeing multiple people, even our leaders, participate in these traditions helps everyone to come together during the holiday.
I love how they are trying to "GO GREEN" even with the National Christmas tree! They lowered the wattage and recycled the ornaments. I think this is a good example to set. My family for years and years would always completely decorate our farm. We would have lights lining the entire driveway and just all over the place. Well this year my parents decided to conserve energy and only have icicle lights on the house. It saves so much money and energy.
ReplyDeleteThat was amazing to discover that even the White House has some of the same traditions that my family has when it comes time for Christmas. It was interesting to learn as well that the National Tree has “gone green” this year and is using even less electricity this year than in years past. I really like the idea of sending the ornaments to local communities to have it decorated for a local landmark. The National Tree is truly a national tree.
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