‘Joy To the World’, ‘T’is the Spirit of the Season’ at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

‘Joy To the World‘ ‘T’is The Spirit of the Season‘!  The National Park Service with President Donald Trump and First Lady MelaniaTrump welcome everyone to experience the first-ever virtual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from the White House, President’s Park and a variety of remote locations.

The recorded event is available to stream on-demand throughout the holiday season at : www.thenationaltree.org.  This unconventional one hour presentation is a Christmas gift to be appreciated and celebrated. It’s inspiring, soul filled and will bring ‘Good Tidings to You’ and your KIn’

Standout performances by ‘Passion’, award-winning Christian artists Lynda Randle with brother Michael Tait and ‘The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus’ add sparkle to traditional carols.

                                                                                                                            ‘Passion’ featuring Melodie Malone,

   American Idol fan-favorites, country performing artists, Laine Hardy, Kelly Pickler, and Colton Dixon bring down-home Christmas charisma to the program.

                                                                                                                     NPS Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: photo credit

‘The President’s Own’ Marine Band and the United States Navy ‘Sea Chanters’ wrap around these special performances like a big red bow.  Together, the ensemble of American’s most talented military band and concert singers will bring a smile to your face and pride to your heart. Established by an act of Congress in 1798 ‘The President’s Own’ is the Nation’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization with performers educated by the most prestigious music schools in the US.

The National Christmas Tree displayed on the Ellipse, often referred to as the President’s Park, is surrounded by 56 smaller trees. Each of those little trees represents a U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. Ornaments created by school age children from each of the fifty states, territories and D.C adorn the smaller trees.

The wishes of children are a sentimental part of the White House tree lighting legend. In 1923, students from the District of Columbia petitioned President Calvin Coolidge to place a decorated Christmas tree on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate the season.  On Christmas Eve, President Coolidge walked from the Oval office to the Ellipse to push a button lighting the very 1st National Christmas Tree. That tree donated by Middlebury College in Vermont was a 48-foot balsam fir.

Since 1973, the National Christmas tree has been a living tree which can be viewed year round in President’s Park. Situated directly across from the White House  ‘President’s Park’ is only one of American’s 422 National Parks.The National Park Service has been caring for the White House and grounds since 1933. President’s Park and Lafayette Park were officially included in the National Park Service in 1960 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in office.

                                                                                                                   National Park Service Ranger Lindsey and Di. 2018

In the past STP~ News has covered the lighting of the National Christmas Tree live. The atmosphere has been festive, the air electric and when the First Family lights the tree, cheers from the roaring crowd maybe heard on the North Pole. It’s a privilege to experience it and it was an honor to cover. However, watching this live-streaming spectacular with a warm cup of cocoa is a treat that will fill even a Grinch’s heart with holiday spirit ~while staying covid-free and cozy at home.

GOOD TIDINGS TO YOU … With Love, She the People News wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy. Healthy New Year.