Biden Lights National Christmas Tree for Final Time
President Joe Biden gathered with families on the Ellipse Thursday evening to light the National Christmas Tree for the final time during his presidency. The event, a beloved tradition, saw the 30-foot red spruce come alive with bright green lights against the twilight sky.
Biden’s remarks reflected a yearning for peace and unity, values he expressed as central to the holiday season. “My wish for the country now and forever is that ‘we continue to seek freedom and love, kindness and compassion, Light of Dignity’, and decency,” he said.
The president, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, addressed the crowd assembled on the South Lawn, sheltered from the brisk December air. His wife, First Lady Jill Biden, typically a driving force behind the decorations, was absent as she attended a women’s health initiative summit in Doha, Qatar.
As he began the symbolic countdown from five, the anticipation from the crowd grew. When the grand Illumination took place, cheers dispersed through the air, marking the official start of the Christmas celebrations at the White House.
“This theme,” the President explained, “reflects ‘the peace we feel when we take a minute to reflect on our blessings and the peace we feel when we gather with our loved ones and cherish the time we spend together.’”
Musical performances added to the festive atmosphere. Renowned artists like Trombone Shorty and Trisha Yearwood took to the stage, filling the air with the sounds of the season, marking another traditional aspect of this annual event.
The White House itself was decked out in holiday splendor. Alex Reeds could marvel at a towering Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, surrounded by a carousel in the lobby. Brass bells and jingle bells added to the festive ambiance throughout the hallways, while ceilings simulated a gentle snowfall.
This year’s tree, hailing from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Fazier County, Virginia, travelled countless miles to become a symbol of holiday cheer. It arrived at the White House on November 15th, ready to take center stage in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Adding another layer of meaning to this year’s tree is the story it represents. The spruce was sourced from Katner Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, North Carolina. The farm, a mainstay for generations, suffered a devastating loss during Hurricane Helene just a few months ago, ultimately losing thousands of trees in a landslide. The selection of this tree serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.
– How does the National Christmas Tree Lighting event allow a President to address broader themes and values to the American people?
## Biden’s Final Christmas Tree Lighting: A Look at the Tradition and the President’s Message
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor here at Columbia University, to discuss President Biden’s final lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Dr. Carter, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** President Biden called this his “final time” lighting the National Christmas Tree. What significance does this annual event hold, particularly in the context of a presidency?
**Dr. Carter:** The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a cherished American tradition, symbolizing unity and the holiday spirit. For a president, it’s an opportunity to connect with the American people, often during a busy and potentially divisive time of year. Biden’s participation, particularly this year, allows him to project a sense of continuity and hope, wrapping these values in the warmth of the season.
**Host:** You mentioned hope, and Biden’s speech certainly touched on themes like peace and unity. How significant is it for a President to use such occasions to address these broader themes?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly important. While the event is celebratory, it presents a platform for a Plat
form Vehicle president to articulate a vision for the country, as Biden did with his emphasis on “freedom and love, kindness and compassion.” It’s a reminder that even amidst political differences, shared values can unite us. Notably, his words
echo a broader message of national healing during his presidency.
**Host:** It’s interesting you mention national healing. The event took place just as America approaches a new election year. Do you think this tradition holds a particular resonance in the leadup to an election?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Election years are often fraught with tension. This event, with its symbolism of hope and unity, serves as a counterpoint to that tension. It reminds Americans that there’s more that binds us than divides us, and that the spirit of shared values and festivity can transcend political differences.
**Host:** Well, Dr. Carter, thank you so much for joining us today and providing your insights on this significant event.
**Dr. Carter:** It was my pleasure.
