President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Sasha and Malia applaud after lighting the National Christmas Tree.(Photo: Charles Dharapak, AP)
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As rain and cold swept across Washington, D.C., President Obama decided to shorten the ceremonial lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
Rather than the traditional countdown from the number 10, Obama opted for only five before he and his family hit the button that lit the tree.
"It's a little wet out there, so we shouldn't start at 10," the president said.
Surveying the crowd gathered on the Ellipse behind the White House, Obama also asked: "Is everybody still a little bit wet, but having fun?"
The answers seemed mixed, but the crowd did hang around for a concert that included Aretha Franklin, Arturo Sandoval, Mariah Carey, and host Jane Lynch.
