Familia ya Obama yashiriki kuwasha taa kwenye mti wa Christmas

Mti wa Christmas pembeni ya Ikulu ya Marekani (White House)

President Barack Obama got into the holiday spirit today as the First Family lit up the new National Christmas Tree just south of the White House.

Taking the stage next to Santa Claus and Kermit the Frog, the president, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Sasha and Malia officially marked the start of the Christmas season with some carolling before they flipped the switch.

The 26ft Colorado blue spruce was planted in March on the Ellipse, a park that lies between the White House and the National Mall.

Rais Barack Obama wa Marekani na familia yake leo walikuwa kivutio kikubwa katika hafla ya kuwasha taa katika mti wa Christimas.

Rais Obama akiwa na mkewe, Michelle, na watoto wao, Sasha (wa pili kushoto) na Malia

Familia ya Rais Obama

Rais Barack Obama na binti yake, Malia wakifurahia jambo wakati wa hafla ya kuwasha taa kwenye mti wa Christimas

Rais Obama na mwanawe, Sasha

Mke wa Rais Obama, Michelle akiwasomea watoto kitabu wakati wa hafla ya kuwasha taa katika mti wa ChristmasMr Obama urged the crowd to be generous and to help others in need during the holidays.

'In this season of hope, let's help those who need it most: the homeless, the hungry, the sick and shut-in,' he said.

'In this season of plenty, let's reach out to those who struggle to find work or provide for their families.'

Mr Obama welcomed troops returning home in time for the holiday, and asked Americans to express their gratitude to service members.

'In this season of generosity, let's give thanks and honour to our troops and our veterans and their families who've sacrificed so much for us,' he said.