National tree lighting

For 86 years now, the United States has lit a National Christmas Tree here in the District. Always a festive spectacle, on a breezy, chilly evening this year was no different. “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson hosted the event. “Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, 19, Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and rapper Common joined singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne and the group Celtic Woman on stage for a holiday celebration.

President Barack Obama was also on hand for the celebration, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, wife Michelle and Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughters. “We are reminded of the blessings we share and the joy of friends and family this holiday season,” Obama said in his Christmas message.

Speaking before the concert, Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, spoke about the tree and how it is the most energy-efficient ever.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar also spoke, mentioning that the tree was from his native state, Colorado.

First lady Michelle Obama read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to children. A local 8-year-old, Flora, was invited to read her letter to Santa while standing alongside Sparks. She asked to be on the “nice” list and for no one to be hungry again.

Before lighting the tree, President Obama joked to Sasha that even though many “Idol” celebrities were on hand, it wasn’t an episode of the show and there’d be no singing. He also quipped that he was “technologically challenged,” asking for help from his family to light the tree.

This year, the National Park Service held a ticket lottery for those interested in attending the lighting. The online lottery was available in early November. The NPS issued 2,800 ticketed seats and 7,000 standing-room-only tickets, a new feature this year. The show was broadcast on PBS this year, allowing those who didn’t get a chance to make it to see it from the warmth of their homes.

Thirty years ago, a live Colorado blue spruce that rose 40 feet in the air was moved from York, Pa., to the Ellipse and has since been lit yearly for the holiday season. In 1954, a “Pathway of Peace” was erected. This pathway has 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories and D.C.

For those history buffs out there, before the 20th century, the White House observance of Christmas wasn’t an official event. Calvin Coolidge was the first president to sit in at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in 1923.