President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, obscured, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, far left, arrive for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, obscured, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, far left, arrive for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The National Christmas Tree is pictured after it was lit by President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha Obama and and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, at the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Barack Obama, with daughter Sasha and first lady Michelle Obama, with Malia, arrive for lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama arrive for lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WASHINGTON (AP) ? The new National Christmas Tree is settling into its new digs just south of the White House.
President Barack Obama and his family officially marked the start of the Christmas season by lighting the tree in a ceremony just after dark Thursday.
The 26-foot Colorado blue spruce was planted in March on the Ellipse, a park that lies between the White House and the National Mall. Strong winds in February toppled the previous tree, which stood in the park since 1978.
In remarks delivered during the tree-lighting ceremony, Obama urged the crowd to be generous and to help others in need during the holidays.
"In this season of hope, let's help those who need it most: the homeless, the hungry, the sick and shut-in," he said. "In this season of plenty, let's reach out to those who struggle to find work or provide for their families."
Obama welcomed troops returning home in time for the holiday, and asked Americans to express their gratitude to service members.
"In this season of generosity, let's give thanks and honor to our troops and our veterans and their families who've sacrificed so much for us," he said.
Obama was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Michelle; daughters Sasha and Malia; and mother-in-law Marian Robinson. The first lady read Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" with Muppet star Kermit the Frog.
The lighting ceremony, hosted by TV's Carson Daly, included performances of Christmas carols and tunes by pop group Big Time Rush, English singer Ellie Goulding, pop band OneRepublic, country singer Rodney Atkins, soul songstress Marsha Ambrosius and the Airmen of Note, a jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force.
The ceremony marks the 89th holiday tree lighting. The tradition began with President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.
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