OneRepublic and Kermit the Frog help celebrate the National Christmas Tree lighting

(CBS/AP) OneRepublic and singer Ellie Goulding were just some of the musicians who helped President Barack Obama and his family mark the start of the Christmas season at the tree lighting ceremony Thursday night in Washington.

Pictures: The National Christmas Tree lighting

Mr. 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 ceremony was hosted by TV personality Carson Daly and included performances of Christmas carols and tunes by pop group Big Time Rush, Ellie Goulding, OneRepublic, country singer Rodney Atkins, sould songstress Marsha Ambrosius and the Airmen of Note, a jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force.

In remarks delivered during the tree-lighting ceremony, President 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."

The National Christmas Tree, a 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.

The ceremony marks the 89th holiday tree lighting. The tradition began with President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.