White House decorators gave a tour of holiday decorations. Various trees, wreaths, holiday cards, and other decorations around the White House were show, including the White House gingerbread house and images of Bo, the dog. Decorators also explained how holiday decorations were selected and which decorations were used in the past.

In an annual holiday event, First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia Obama, and their dog Bo received the White House Christmas Tree. The 19-foot tall Fraser Fir was delivered to the North Portico of the White House. The tree is from Peak Farms in Ashe County, North Carolina.

First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by Malia and Sasha Obama and their dog, Bo, was presented with the official White House Christmas holiday tree at the North Portico. The tree came from Forevergreens near Neshkoro, Wisconsin, the farm of 2011 National Christmas Tree Association Grand Champion winners Sue and Tom Schroeder. Members of the National Christmas Tree ...Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966. The 19-foot-tall balsam fir would be decorated in honor of U.S. military families. Show SummaryShow Full Text

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama participated in the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the opening holiday ceremonies on the Ellipse. Entertainment included hip hop artist Common, blues performer B.B. King, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, the band Maroon 5, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, and others.

President Obama spoke at a holiday Hanukkah reception in the White House.

First Lady Michelle Obama announced that White House employees will participate in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots holiday drive. She was joined by Toys for Tots President Retired Lieutenant General H.P. “Pete” Osman.

First lady Michelle Obama received the official holiday White House Christmas tree which was delivered to the North Portico of the White House by horse-drawn carriage. The 19 ft Douglas fir came from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The tree was presented by Eric and Gloria Sundback, winners of the National Christmas Tree Association contest, who planted the tree in 1996. ...The tree would be on display in the Blue Room throughout the holiday season. Show SummaryShow Full Text

President Bush spoke at a Hanukkah reception in the White House. He recalled that President Truman in May 1948 led the world in recognizing Israel. The grandsons of President Truman and former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, Clifton Truman Daniel and Yariv Ben-Eliezer, lit the menorah given to President Truman by Minister Ben-Gurion in 1951.

President and Mrs. Bush attended the annual children’s holiday reception and performance. The Sweet Heaven Kings performed Christmas songs.