Holidays

National Christmas Tree lit

This year's giant blue spruce is new and was transplanted in October on the Ellipse, a park that lies between the White House and the National Mall.

$President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia, along with mother-in-law Marian Robinson, far left, and actors Neil Patrick Harris and Rico Rodriguez, right, are on stage during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year\'s giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House.$

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National Christmas Tree Lighting

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia, along with mother-in-law Marian Robinson, far left, and actors Neil Patrick Harris and Rico Rodriguez, right, are on stage during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House.

Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

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