President Obama lights National Christmas Tree

Singer and songwriter Mariah Carey performs during the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Singer and songwriter Mariah Carey performs during the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama threw the switch, bathing the National Christmas Tree in lights and giving an otherwise dreary day in the nation’s capital a festive and seasonal spirit. He later singled out Nelson Mandela, the beloved South African anti-apartheid leader who died Thursday, for special gratitude.
“He blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage,” Obama said. “We are all privileged to live in a world touched by his goodness.”
Before lighting the tree, Obama acknowledged the cold and rainy weather and proposed an abbreviated countdown before flipping on the lights. “We’re going to start at 5; since it’s little wet we shouldn’t start at 10,” he said.
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, Sasha Obama
A rain falls, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Sasha, second from right, and Malia, left, react as they light the National Christmas Tree during the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

As soon as the tree burst into color, singing diva Aretha Franklin took to the stage for a spirited version of “Joy to the World.”
Joining Obama for the 91st annual tree-lighting ceremony were first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson.
The first lady read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” taking turns with a Sesame Street Muppet named Abby.
After performances by Franklin, the tenor trio Forte, Janelle Monae, Joshua Bell, Mariah Carey and Prince Royce, Obama joined the performers on stage to show off a few dance steps and close out the program.
Barack Obama, Joshua Bell, Mariah Carey, Janelle Monáe,  Renee Fleming
From left, Santa, violinist and conductor Joshua Bell, soprano Renee Fleming, President Barack Obama, singer and musician Janelle Monáe, and singer and songwriter Mariah Carey holding her daughter Monroe, dance with a young girl and the end of the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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