National Christmas Tree lightning ceremony

Photo credit: Reuters

U.S President Barak Obama kicked off the holiday season in Washington with the lighting of the National Christmas tree and for the first time in the 92 year tradition , the 2014 national Christmas Tree had a presence on social media , posting humorous play by play from its twitter account, @TheNational Tree

Hundreds of people joined the Obamas for the annual event like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who co-hosted the event. Among the performers were Patti LaBelle, rocker Steve Miller ,Ne-Yo, , country star Chely Wright, Nico &Vinz, The Tenors, Fifth Harmony of “The X-Factor” and the U.S. Marine Band.

Obama said the national tree is a "symbol of hope and holiday spirit." He urged Americans to remember members of the U.S. military serving overseas, as well as their families.
"As we hold our loved ones tight, let's remember the military families whose loved ones are far from home," Obama said. "They are our heroes."

The National Park Service says the tradition was started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.