The National Christmas Tree Lighting in DC (15 images)

The National Christmas Tree is seen illuminated next to the White House during the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, December 9, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

President Barack Obama, joined by his family, press a button to light the National Christmas Tree during the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, December 9, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

The National Christmas Tree is seen illuminated during the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, December 9, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

The National Christmas Tree is seen illuminated during the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, December 9, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

The National Christmas Tree is seen illuminated during the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, December 9, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

U.S. President Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha watch the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 9, 2010. The first Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place back in 1923, with President Calvin Coolidge presiding. UPI/Andrew Harrer/Pool

U.S. President Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha watch the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 9, 2010. The first Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place back in 1923, with President Calvin Coolidge presiding. UPI/Andrew Harrer/Pool

U.S. President Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha watch the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 9, 2010. The first Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place back in 1923, with President Calvin Coolidge presiding. UPI/Andrew Harrer/Pool