President Trump, first lady Melania Trump light National Christmas Tree
Kicking off the holiday season, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree at the White House Thursday evening.
"We want to wish everybody a merry Christmas, a happy New Year, have unbelievable holidays, and we are now going to light a very beautiful tree," Mr. Trump said. "And I'll ask our first lady to get ready and maybe we'll do a countdown from 10."
Once the tree was lit, National Christmas Tree Lighting co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Dean Cain introduced festive performances from The Beach Boys, Mannheim Steamroller, and other musical artists.
The president's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their children were also in attendance, as well as Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr.
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke introduced Mr. Trump.
Today is a day that I’ve been looking very much forward to ALL YEAR LONG. It is one that you have heard me speak about many times before.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2017
Now, as President of the United States, it is my tremendous honor to finally wish America and the world, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! pic.twitter.com/cTvdlUkfHV
"We pray that our country will be a place where every child knows a home filled with love, a community rich with hope and a nation blessed with faith," Mr. Trump said. "On behalf of Melania, myself, Barron, all of my children, all of my grandchildren-- they're here with us tonight-- I want to thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much, merry Christmas, everybody."
Wednesday evening, the president criticized those who say "Merry Christmas" in lieu of a faith-neutral holiday greeting such as "happy holidays" during a speech pushing the Republican Party's tax overhaul bill in St. Charles, Missouri.
"You don't see 'Merry Christmas' any more," Mr. Trump said. "With Trump as your president, we are going to be celebrating 'Merry Christmas' again, and it's going to be done with a big beautiful tax cut."
Earlier this week, Mrs. Trump unveiled the White House's Christmas decor, which reflects 200 years of holiday traditions.
"The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House," she said in a statement. "As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People's House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season."